By Ethan Benedicto
In a heart-warming display of compassion and initiative, seven-year-old Aanya has taken it upon herself to take the first step in making a difference for those less fortunate with winter’s biting cold.
Inspired by a trip to Melbourne CBD with her family, Aanya witnessed firsthand the reality of homelessness and these people’s struggles during the colder days.
Achini, Aanya’s mother said that she felt lucky to have “such a caring girl with a kind heart”.
“She’s always been like that, and to sort of see something and come up with an idea… of course, I had to find an organisation where we could do something.
“But just having that thought of helping others makes it really special and makes me really proud that I’ve raised a very caring girl with a kind heart,” she said.
The organisation the family decided to partner with, Off Your Back, focuses on ensuring warmth for those most in need, with the focus on advocating for people to donate their pre-loved coats and jackets at selected locations across the state.
For Aanya and Achini, this just so happened to be her school at Hillcrest Christian College, where with the support of her family, friends and the school, a clothing drive was organised – aimed at collecting jackets and other warm items for the homeless.
The fundraiser, which collected over 100 jackets over the span of a few weeks, was recently donated to the Off Your Back Foundation in Elsternwick on Thursday, August 15.
To Achini, she believes that raising awareness about homelessness, especially when it comes to the younger generation is crucial.
“I think it’s quite important in general to know that there are people struggling,” she said.
“Being able to see something here and having that compassionate feeling, it’s important for any child to be able to look at someone who is in need regardless whether they’re homeless or in a day-to-day environment.
“To be empathetic, sympathetic and to be able to look and help; it’s critical for the younger generation to develop that side.”
Achini’s personal sentiments also have had an effect on her daughter, with her recalling that Aanya had previously donated her long hair for children with cancer when she was roughly five years old.
While she acknowledges that it has always been in Aanya’s nature to “look at someone – or when she’s heard about something – to do something to help”, that feeling of luck to have a daughter such as her still remains.
“She has always been someone with a very soft heart, I’m glad that she’s taking the steps to help people and doing things willingly.
“So she’s quite special, she’s always been like this it seems,” Achini said.
The Off Your Back coat drive is currently ongoing, with those with pre-loved jackets, coats and or warm clothing encouraged to donate them at the nearest drop off points before August 31.
For more information on Off Your Back and their collection points, visit offyourback.com.au/donate/
