As a Bondi resident for almost 10 years, the past few days have been hard to process.
The terrorist attack that rocked Bondi last Sunday has left many of us struggling, still processing the horror and the effect on our community. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, the survivors, the Jewish community, as well as the broader Bondi community.
I have found great strength in witnessing the many heroic acts that unfolded that day, and I believe that how we respond, as a community, is critical. I’m comforted to see many people reaching out, asking, “How can I help? What can I do?”
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Here are some practical steps we can all take to support our community during this difficult time.
Donate blood
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to help is by donating blood.
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The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is an essential resource, ensuring that those in need receive the vital support they require. A single blood donation can save multiple lives, making it a powerful way to contribute.
Donate time
Time is one of the most valuable things you can offer.
Local organisations like the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club, Our Big Kitchen, and Jewish House are actively supporting the community.
These organisations provide everything from food relief to crisis support. Reach out to them and ask how you can assist. Whether it’s volunteering at food drives to cook much-needed meals or offering professional skills, every bit helps.
Donate money
Financial support is crucial for local charities, especially as demand for their services increases. We’ve selected three charities doing essential work in the aftermath of the attack:
Our Big Kitchen, a Bondi local charity – founded by Rabbi Dr Dovid Slavin and Laya Slavin in February 2005 – that feeds Aussies in need, irrespective of religion and origins. We went to see them last Wednesday: they had just cooked and distributed about 500 meals for the families of victims, as well as hospital staff, first responders, and other charities, as they regularly do.
Last year, they distributed 260,000 meals to the community. With just $7, they cook and distribute 5 meals.
Donate here.
St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney Ltd is the charity operating St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, a public hospital, providing a range of medical services and healthcare to the community. It has a specific focus on serving the needs of the poor and vulnerable populations within NSW.
It manages around 40,000 hospital admissions and 50,000 emergency presentations per year.
That’s 1.4 million occasions of service for the people of NSW each year, and, in 2019, it allocated over $51 million to care for patients from priority vulnerable groups.
Donate here.
🍛 Jewish House is a Bondi local charity — founded in 1983 by brothers Anthony and Roger Clifford — that provides crisis support for vulnerable people irrespective of religion, including support with housing, mental health, programs for children, employment, and NDIS services.
Last year, it provided 821 psychology sessions, 106 beds in NSW, and answered 2,520 crisis calls. It also assisted 270 kids and 748 people through support groups and job programs.
Donate here.
You can help these three charities, easily and at once, on Tap4Change, with 100% of your contributions going to these charities so they can continue their vital work without the burden of administrative fees.
Be a champion for charities
Charities often operate on tight budgets, prioritising impact over visibility. Sharing their pages, fundraising links, or simply talking about them can significantly enhance their reach and effectiveness.
It’s one of the most powerful and cost-free ways to support their mission.
Sharing online what you are doing right now to help also entices others to follow in your steps. Please don’t be timid about the good you’re doing.
Get help for yourself
If you or someone you know needs support, several organisations are ready to help. Lifeline Australia, Beyond Blue, and Kids Helpline are just a few of the resources available. It’s crucial to remember that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
Reach out to these services (among others) if you need support:
– Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
– Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
– Lifeline: 13 11 14
– 13YARN, Aboriginal & Torres Straight Islander free and confidential crisis support: 13 92 76
– Headspace: 1800 650 890
Right now, the community needs to heal, and to heal, we need each other. Every action, no matter how small, will contribute to our collective recovery. As we move forward, let us harness the collective strength of our community, turning compassion into action.
By stepping up and supporting one another, we can transform this tragedy into a testament of resilience and unity. Let us care for and support each other, ensuring that Bondi emerges stronger than ever.
This article was first published by Startup Daily.
