Creating, connecting and coming together for good

Sunday 2nd August was the day that what I call our 'strict lockdown' began. Many of us had already been dabbling in iso-hobbies for a while. And all in all, feeling fortunate to have a roof over our heads, food in our bellies and pastimes to keep us occupied.

Meanwhile, friends in Kenya were working hard to help their community survive. Kibera is the biggest slum in Nairobi and the largest urban slum in Africa. It's one of many places in the world where physical distancing is virtually impossible. And where supports like Jobkeeper are just not a thing. Locking down in Kibera means giving up your livelihood. Without that, starvation is an even bigger threat alongside covid.

Spur Afrika is an organisation working to engage, educate and empower the local people. Providing food isn't normally a part of their work but this was a time where they couldn't stand by. So they set up an emergency food fund.

It was a matter of joining a few dots. Melbourne friends and family decided to leverage their creativity and time at home to make a difference - we ran a virtual silent auction where all proceeds would go to the food fund.

The auction spotlighted hidden talents in our australian community - from sewing to sculpture, and crochet to culinary creations. Virtual activity vouchers were up for grabs, including piano lessons, online yoga and life coaching.

At the close of bidding, we came together on Zoom. Friends on the ground in Kibera joined us and shared with us the reality of the day.

It was a beautiful project that raised over $2500 for the food fund on the day, and more in the weeks that followed. We also learnt about the grit and commitment of friends in Kenya, working tirelessly to support and serve their community.

Four months on, and we're out of lockdown here in Melbourne. But the hard work continues in Kibera. Here's their latest fundraiser - Christmas gifts that give twice.