STORIES OF CHANGE
Nique is partnered with I=Change, see below inspirational stories from two of the three charities we support, Dress for Success and Feed Aussies in Crisis. See how the funds we are raising our empowering individuals.
GIVE A NEW START | DRESS FOR SUCCESS SYDNEY
Angela is an incredibly talented designer who moved to Australia from New Zealand with her children seven years ago. The mother of five creates headpieces and masks that have been exhibited at festivals and modelled in fashion shows across Sydney.
After trying unsuccessfully to find administration work, which she had done in the past, she is now retraining and has undertaken three courses in order to increase her job prospects. Currently she is studying at TAFE to complete her Real Estate Certificate IV.
She heard about us through a friend and came in for a dressing appointment as she had secured training with a company in property investment and although she wasn’t sure what to expect, her experience was a positive one.
“I came with three sons and five suitcases for a new start in Australia. I found it exciting bringing my sons and my guitar, and seeing what life had to offer. I was pretty blessed in having a mother who always had us doing arts and crafts, from knitting and sewing to making paper flowers. She also taught me the traditional art of weaving. In New Zealand, I used to make wedding bouquets, but I tended to give my work away.
I heard about Dress for Success Sydney through a friend and we came in together for interview clothes. I loved having understanding women to help me find appropriate clothing that also suits my style.
Thank you so much to both of the ladies that helped me.”
FEED AUSSIES IN CRISIS | FOODBANK AUSTRALIA
IMAGINE having just $50 a week to feed your family of four.
The Tekani family, including mum Sunita, 35, dad Taha, 35 and children Waimoana, 5, and Renata, 3, aren’t always sure if they’ll make ends meet and where their next meal will come from.
Mr Tekani works as a labourer and the family live off just $1700 a fortnight.
Little Waimoana has a severe skin condition,
which often requires hospitalisation, doctors visits and expensive dressings. Waimoana is also unable to regulate her own body temperature which requires the family to constantly have the air conditioning or heating on — resulting in hefty electricity bills.
After rent and bills they are left with just $50 a week to feed the family.
“We have definitely had to compromise with money and there have been times when we haven’t been able to even pay our rent” Mrs Tekani said.
“There have also been times where we’ve had no food or I’ve had to feed the kids Weet-bix for breakfast, lunch and dinner because that’s all we had in the house.”
The Tekani’s have recently been receiving food support and have said it has made a huge difference.
Mrs Tekani said other families out there suffering should not do so in silence.
