Originally published in The Commons Journal.
While the holiday season may be behind us for now, there’s something to be said about the act of giving back, all year ‘round.
At The Commons, we love all-things that make the world a better place. Puppies, coffee, sunshine, those extra crunchy fries at the bottom of the box that you savour right till the end.
But above all, we love people that make the world a better place.
This month we’re exploring the idea of ‘nourish’ and what it means to feel nourished.
In an earlier blog post we looked into how this idea comes to life on a personal level, exploring self-reflection in conversation with life coach and QV member Alex Staples, and how we can align our sense of self with our goals in order to live a happier and healthier 2022.
Now, we want to explore the literal interpretation. The people, companies and organisations on the front line, working tirelessly to support our most vulnerable and create positive change – the unsung heroes of our community.
We’re fortunate at The Commons to have the opportunity to meet and connect with so many amazing people doing just that. From organisations providing a platform for margnalised members of our community to non-for-profits raising awareness and funds for important causes.
Here, we’ve rounded up just a few to get behind.
Who Gives A Crap
Members at Cremorne
If you’re a member of The Commons, there’s no doubt you’ll be familiar with our friends at Who Gives A Crap AKA the geniuses behind the ethically-made loo paper that’s been…erm, saving your bum, so to speak (and our planet, of course).
What started as a crowdfunding campaign back in 2012 has since grown into a global social impact leader who have donated over $10 million to date to improving global sanitation. We’ve loved watching our friends at Who Gives A Crap grow and expand their toilet paper empire over the years at The Commons. You can show your support for the Australian-based social enterprise by shopping their toilet paper, paper towels and more here.
WaterAid
Members at QV & Collingwood
Did you know that 771 million people globally don’t have access to clean water close to their home? And that another 1.7 billion people don’t have a decent toilet of their own? We’ve got the perfect way to make a huge, long-lasting impact on the livelihood of these individuals and families – WaterAid.
WaterAid is an international charity that works to provide access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to communities in need. Through working with local partners, communities and supporters, the organisation works to convince governments and service providers to prioritise clean water and hygiene for their citizens. Donate, volunteer and attend their events here.
Launch Housing
Members at South Melbourne
With so many problems in the world – especially in the current climate – it can be hard to know how to help. But often it’s the smallest gesture, smile or acknowledgement that can make the biggest difference.
Launch Housing is a secular Melbourne-based community organisation that delivers homelessness services and life-changing housing support to disadvantaged Victorians. Their mission is to end homelessness and break the stigma surrounding people sleeping rough – and this starts with education. To be an advocate, it’s crucial to stay informed and speak the truth. You can also volunteer, donate or take part in their Roughin’ It Challenge here.
PukaUp
Members at South Yarra
It’s not always easy to speak openly about your mental health, which is why PukaUp is here to help. Passionate about education and storytelling, PukaUp is a cause-driven organisation that works with workplaces and communities to break down the barriers and stigma surrounding mental health by facilitating conversations around emotional wellbeing.
Being a prevention-focused organisation, PukaUp’s aim is to keep people happy and healthy, with the hope of ultimately putting a stop to suicide. You can show your support by shopping their clothing range, signing up to their program or tuning into their podcast here.
The Global Women’s Project
Scholarship Members at Collingwood
Thriving communities start with powerful women, which is where The Global Women’s Project comes in. Members of The Commons Scholarship Program, The Global Women’s Project’s mission is to “give women around the world the tools and resources they need to build better lives for themselves, their families and communities”.
In order to do this, the non-for-profit joins forces with with local women’s organisations in Nepal and Cambodia to educate women through workshops and training, so that they can mentor and inspire other women in their community. Since 2013, they’ve helped over 2,500 women. Help them reach their goal of 10,000 women by donating, volunteering or becoming a business supporter here.
Kua Coffee
Scholarship Members at Sydney Central
The Commons’ caffeine dependent members (guilty) will be familiar with Kua Coffee, the team behind your morning – and afternoon – coffee(s). Based in Sydney, Kua coffee is sourced directly from Mount Elgon in Uganda using sustainable practices that puts farmers and the environment first.
Through a circular model approach, Kua Coffee recycles your coffee grounds in local community gardens and projects, resulting in over 5,240 kilograms of used coffee grounds saved from landfill to date. Show your support by shopping and sipping their glorious brew here.