Jennie met Nans as part of Vinnies’ service, which helps give out food, furniture, vouchers, bedding etc. to people who need it. Along the way, they became friends and Jennie learnt more of Nans’ tragic story.
After facing unspeakable trauma, Nans fled her home country and sought asylum here, only to wind up in detention for eight years. To this day, she’s unable to work or study, endures a curfew, receives no support.
“Australians don’t like us, people like me.” Nans has repeatedly told Jennie.
To counter this belief, and to help her meet new people and learn new skills, Jennie suggested Nans try volunteering at FareShare. The rest is history. From her bubbly nature to her awesome work ethic, Nans is now firmly part of team FareShare!
“I’m so happy to be part of this community,” Nans says. “I enjoy the process of cooking and creating something amazing. It feels meditative and therapeutic to chop and cut vegetables as it keeps me in the moment. And it’s been good learning how to safely handle kitchen equipment and a bit about cooking.
“It’s the best place for me to meet and bond with new friends. It’s a pure joy, a break from everything else.”
“We all think she’s lovely,” Jennie says. “Plus, it suits her to the ground. She’s listening to the language, participating in conversations, learning skills, and it gives her a purpose. I only wish she’d slow down a bit because she’s making all us oldies look bad!”
To us, seeing Nans and Jennie in the FareShare kitchen chatting and laughing with each other, the other volunteers and the cooks is what volunteering is all about. Happy National Volunteer Week everyone.
Learn more about volunteering in Melbourne and Brisbane here.