Together, we help make life better
Rachel Carey from Allara Support Services makes some new friends at the WILL2LIVE volunteer day
When Rachel Carey was in her early 20s she had already hit a low point in her young life. Having experienced homelessness, and needing a fresh start, she found a job in disability support services.
She worked hard, was promoted into management roles, and four years ago she established her own company, Allara Support Services. Allara, an NDIS organisation, provides supported independent living and other services for people with disability.
Jeremy Sarah and Rebecca Quayle practise their barbecue technique
“I felt like I found my purpose in life,” Rachel says of working in disability support. “And if I’m being completely honest, the clients thought I was caring for them, but in reality, they were the ones saving me.”
Last month, Rachel and a fantastic group of 20 people from Allara – both clients and support workers – took part in a volunteer day at the WILL2LIVE food truck.
Nicky Carter and Isabelle Taylor get into the spirit of volunteer day
They learned about volunteering by helping serve a cooked breakfast and hot drinks to homeless and vulnerable people at Central Station. Others collected donations from the public to support our work.
“We had people dancing and laughing,” Rachel says. “I have an incredible team who are open to all people – we don’t discriminate against anybody.
“When I started Allara, it was really important to me that I give back to others, in the same way that people did for me when I was younger.”
Will Hawes meets the team from Allara Support Services
Our corporate volunteer days are a great way for employees from different organisations to experience volunteering with us. They also help us raise funds to support our ongoing work with homeless and vulnerable people in the community.
Please contact me if you would like to organise a volunteer day with your workmates.
You can also support our food relief service and other programs by making a donation here:
I’m immensely proud of all our volunteers, donors and supporters who are helping bring food and friendship to Sydney’s most needy.
Thanks for everything you do.
Cheers,
Will Hawes
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
