Love for life Real connection is timeless

MILLIONS of Australians provide supportive care to someone they love

an ageing parent, a family member or child with a disability, or a spouse, partner or friend with an illness.

It requires enormous commitment of time and energy, but there are many benefits to caring for loved ones.

“Carers are the unsung heroes of this country, helping our most vulnerable citizens to live life as positively as possible, and all deserve the thanks of the nation,” said Paul Spinks, an advanced paramedic, trauma counsellor and mental health advocate.

“It is always touching to witness the relationships forged between those who are vulnerable and those who watch over them.”

Whether you’re a carer now or have a parent who may need help someday, it’s never too soon to start planning for the future.

Vicki Bennett, author of The Book of Hope – Antidote for Anxiety, believes carers play an important role in our society, creating many social and economic benefits for themselves, the people they care for and the whole community.

Here, she provides the top benefits of being a carer.

You learn to prioritise social interaction: Connecting with elders slows you down, bringing you back into authentic social interaction.

You can learn many things: By spending time talking and gathering insights on how elders lived, their heritage and history, carers learn different generational values.

You gain a deep appreciation for life: Caring for another helps us show and experience love and appreciation. Both the carer and elder experience a sense of purpose and belonging.

You’re able to give back: Acts of kindness positively benefit the giver and the receiver and create a sense of giving back to the community.

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For the Love of Bread

The connection between cancer and a sandwich isn’t immediately obvious, but for the last seven years, five cents from the sale of every loaf of specially marked Coles Own Brand bread has been donated to Redkite, raising millions of dollars to support children with cancer and their families. For the Love of Bread features 22 feel-good sandwiches, with contributions from families who have received Redkite’s support, as well as recipes from some famous faces.

Visit Coles.com.au/loveofbread or scan here to view more recipes.