Sweet acts a treat
COMMUNITY has never been more important than during the past nine months, and the hardest times have brought out the best in Australians, says SecondBite cofounder Simone Carson AM (pictured).
What does ‘community kindness’ mean to you?
A community that shows kindness is a very powerful one, and can create a strong, resilient society that is able to heal, grow and flourish. It allows all individuals to feel safe, to make mistakes, to pick themselves up and try again. This year, I have seen more acts of kindness and I firmly believe that ‘community looking out for community’ can achieve lasting change.
Why is it important for us to maintain community spirit?
All Australians have had a tough year. No one has escaped the uncertainty of COVID-19. It has impacted on our economic, mental and physical health. Community kindness feels more important now than ever. There is much to celebrate but we cannot forget how fearful and anxious many Australians will be. Though some will be putting on a happy face for their family and friends, many will be deeply worried about 2021 and beyond. Australians have faced drought, floods, bushfires and COVID-19 all within the last 12 months.
What is your role and your involvement with SecondBite and Coles?
My husband Ian and I started SecondBite. I was particularly focused on the significant link between disease prevention and healthy food. With a committed group of friends, we visited the markets before they closed and collected surplus food, then dropped it to a local charity that ran a food program. When we partnered with Coles in 2011 to form a national partnership, it allowed us to scale and broaden our reach. The Coles SecondBite connection illustrates the value of corporate and community partnerships. Not only does Coles provide access to food through their stores and DC centres, it has connected us to many of its suppliers. The relationship continues to grow and strengthen over nine years of working together. SecondBite is grateful for the support of Coles and I know that Coles and its employees feel proud of their efforts to end waste and hunger.
How are you helping on a daily basis?
In the lead-up to Christmas, Ian and I would feel extremely uncomfortable if we hadn’t made the small efforts required to help collect food and make sure it’s distributed and available at one of the local charities for Christmas lunch. We have done this every Christmas Eve since SecondBite started 15 years ago, and we always have friends and supporters with their families to help us.
What are some of the most memorable contributions you've made?
One Christmas Eve, two families worked for hours in heavy rain and hail collecting food from the Prahran Market. We sorted it then stacked the food into the refrigerated SecondBite van. The food was taken to three smaller organisations in the city who had arranged pop-up meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for those sleeping rough. The kindness was shown by the family who helped us and by the generous stall holders who gave food so that everyone could enjoy a healthy and festive meal on Christmas Day.