If you started your own charity or social enterprise, what would it be and why? Have your say + win

UseHerName

Okay, so my dream one day is to build a few shipping container buildings.
The first would probably be a coin laundromat to generate some revenue so that I can build a teppanyaki restaurant and flair bar.
Most importantly, I would build shipping container unit housings. This is where homeless individuals can stay temporarily while they learn new skills to help them find jobs. These people would gain experience by working my restaurant, which pays for their accommodation and eventually once they feel they are ready and confident to move on - after they have saved enough money for their own place - they would relinquish their unit for the next person in need.

Ziah

I have long held a dream of not-for-profit medical/dental/mental health/general healthcare provider that also incorporates a health diet as well. I want to take the profiteering by the drug companies and for-profit insurers off the table, and have proper health care - especially preventative methods - accessible by every human on the planet. I would make sure everyone had access to clean, safe water, healthy food (not the processed crap currently most affordable), preventative medicine, education, and any help needed to create and maintain health.

And if I were obscenely rich like people like Gina Reinhart, this is what I would do with my billions.

PandaKill

When deciding on a charity or social enterprise, it can be helpful to consider the issues and causes that you are passionate about and have a genuine interest in. This will give you the drive and motivation needed to overcome the challenges that you may face.

It is also important to identify a gap in the market and find ways to address the issue that others are not addressing. This could include providing support and resources for those in need, addressing environmental issues, or promoting education and personal development.

Ultimately, the most successful charities and social enterprises are those that are driven by a strong sense of purpose and a desire to make a positive impact in the world.

One specific idea could be starting a charity that focuses on providing clean water and sanitation facilities to underdeveloped communities. Lack of access to clean water is a major issue in many parts of the world, leading to various health problems and hindering economic growth. Providing clean water and proper sanitation facilities can greatly improve the quality of life for these communities and help break the cycle of poverty.

Debbie

Technically I think I may have been doing that for 9 years already. I am the facilitator & coordinator of a Mind & Body balance group called CHAMPS(Community Health Awareness, Mind & Physical Support) It is available to anyone in our little community and fills the gap for those needing to connect that are not into sport or the Pub and do not have kids at school. WE do Tasi Chi, Strength for life fitness, low level as we are all over 50, plus we have a theme each week or go out for excursions. Its a great little group and obviously much needed :)

Loz

An animal charity. They rarely get government funding and rely on volunteers. Animals don’t have a voice and sadly will be the ones affected by the way the world is now. They are the first to be left behind, given away, surrendered when people don’t have money or landlords won’t allow pets. Animals for me!

heeleen

I think one large charity is required, there are so many charities around it is hard to decide which ones to give to. Each of these charities have big numbers of staff, advertising, etc that need to be paid before anything is given to the charity, if every charity was consolidated into one big umbrella then so much staff would not be required, which would mean more money to actually go the charity needed.
It would have a board of directors who will not be paid millions of dollars a year, they would see how much money they had to give out, then they would allot each charity a certain amount depending on their needs, no big overheads , so more money for the charities.
There are so many out there, for example cancer, there has to be 10 or more charities each trying to get money for their research etc, instead of 10 different cancer charities there would be one, same as fammine and crisis help charities, collect the donations in, take out the fees for employees, advertising etc, would would now be way lower, then hand out the balance to where it really needs to go.

Radda

We currently live tough times, going through unimaginable loss of loved ones and struggling with mental health. I don't thing this world has been more affected by people with mental health than in the last 2 years. No one ever in their minds would have predicted the chaos and sad time we experience now. My charity would be for people with mental health, I would make the greatest effort to help these people in need and provide the best support. We are all doing it tough and we need to help each other no matter what and the world will become a better place to live.

EileenW1

Whatever charity or cause you choose, get really involved because that will give you more joy than just donating money. Following the Bali Bombings, I began my own little project 'Boots for Bali' initially to give the young boys and men something to distract them from their tragic situation with no work, no money for education and a very limited futures. Helped by my local soccer/football clubs on the Sunshine Coast, I equipped five village teams with soccer strips, balls and money to play in a little inter-village competition. We even sent a rep team to the Bali Championships. We then progressed to getting a kindergarten running for their children which was wonderfully supported by friends back home and through fundraising. Then a Balinese friend opened up a volunteer school in his village for those children unable to afford fees for Government school. I became heavily involved fundraising through a market stall to ensure these precious youngsters could learn Bahasa (as most only spoke Balinese), English, Maths and environmental studies. On Saturdays they learnt Balinese cultural dance and music. Each fortnight they went out to clean up their village and beaches and sorted out recyclable materials. My local Rotary donated 14 pairs of tongs and gloves which I took over on my last visit just before Covid struck. Our little school has had to close and we don't know when we can start again as the landowner has claimed back the site and all our buildings except for the recycling shed we built. However my beautiful friends still take the children out each fortnight despite Covid to continue cleaning up. We don't know if or when we might get our school back. Bali is desperate to reopen for its economy is almost dead but my daily emails and Facebook reports show their spirit is not lost. My wonderful friend has opened up his little cafe just to feed any hungry child as so many are in dire poverty with the loss of tourism. My own health has deteriorated this past year following an accident so my fundraising has had to stop for many months but I am still so proud of what my little 'Boots for Bali' achieved being just a one-woman endeavour. I have so many wonderful memories, attended weddings of my former Footy Boys, family celebrations and mourned those friends lost through Covid. I have booked my airfare to return next year and am just praying it won't be too late for us to start again.

Helena32191145

I would start a charity to help group for woman, man and children to have a safe space to go meet with other people to talk about their experiences and do activities they have experienced or been victim of sex trafficking, it would be so hard to get back to normal life after experiencing this traumatic experience and I would love to help these people to feel comfortable, safe and belonging within themselves to join society and be confident in who they are through their experience. People donating help keep this active and help support for everyone in the group.

drummerschick

Mine is definitely an animal sanctuary and rescue - I have seen several on Facebook (Edgar's Mission to name just one) and they always tug at my heartstrings. It seems to be such a noble cause and you get repaid over and over again with the thanks and love you get from the rescued animals. If I ever win Lotto, that's where I would be headed.

Trina32082520

I a big lover for animals. So it would go to any animal rescue.

drummerschick

I a big lover for animals. So it would go to any animal rescue.

Snap - I just posted a similar reply. Definitely a very worthy cause.

D_D

Mental health - I'd start a charity and offer free mental health services to people who need them.

Nor4

I would love to start a safety house for young people who live on the streets. Somewhere to have qualified volunteers to help them get back on track. Building self esteem by teaching them to look after themslves; i.e. personal care, haircuts, good clothing, a safe place to be able to talk about themselves and what they would like to do, medical and dental care. Training to assist in gaining employment, What we currently have is obviously not working. All a big dream but POSSIBLE. Some of the trainers could include retirees who can lead life and work experiences.

jjdrer

It would be a charity that combines a number of causes.
Also I would encourage the National Stroke Foundation to concentrate on research for all age groups, not just adults as it currently does. Babies and young children have strokes too. I know a little girl who has had at least 3 mini strokes. They were verified via a special scan ordered by a Neurologist. He was even able to tell the parents approximately when they happened. Her symptoms are that one of her eyes droops and her speech is slurred.
I would strongly petition the Govt to provide financial and other support for healthwise research / support organisations. Almost all of them receive no Govt. funding at all. They are forced to rely solely on donations from the general public, and in some cases a few are given some sponsorship from companies.
There has been criticism of some funds being used for admin costs. People don't realise that charities have to record all financial transactions the same as ordinary businesses do. While that is sometimes done by qualified people the accounting has to be audited by a legitimate auditor (usually employed via a special company) and has to be paid for. Most charities also have an office, telephone etc without which nobody would be able to contact them.

site77

would support older people to have better opportunities and benefits !

Mumof4GC

My charity would be giving a hand up not hand out. Being able to empower others to be all they can be. As the saying goes not giving them a fish but teaching them how to fish so they can sustain themselves but also go on to teach others to do the same

Ziah

I have had a dream for as long as I can remember to open not-for-profit medical centres, hospitals, mental health help centres, and everything else essential to human health, and to staff them with the most well-educated and open-minded staff including naturopaths, integrative/holistic doctors, nurse practitioners and research staff willing to look beyond the conventional. Anything that gives people the best chance at a happy and healthy life - and big pharma and big medicine would only be two of many options for people to use (and would not take precedence). Natural/alternative therapies (where proven to work) would be just as available as any other option, and using food-as-medicine (organic, free range, high welfare) would also factor highly in any treatment plan.

I would love to open not-for-profit banks, supermarkets (attached to local farms and artisan producers), bakeries, cafes, energy providers, housing providers, transport providers, animal care/welfare and anything else where currently profit is put before people.

suzzles

I would start it up to help prisoners throughout rehabilitate and reassimilate to life back in the normal world. So many prisoners are released back into society without the knowledge of how to stop a baby from crying, how to get/apply for a job and even how to just buy food. Rehab costs ALOT of money, however it reduces how much we spend on sending the same person back

amazon69

Pets especially those abused

Trickybruce

Having had to deal with our current legal system in regards to adult mental illness I would start a charity to help those who are trying to help a family member who is afflicted. Be it legal counsel on their behalf, lobbying to change the laws that "allow" so many people in need to slip thru the cracks, education to try and help families cope with the behavior that cannot be rationalized and support for the many who do not have any.

Genie11

Books! Glorious Books!! . . . . What happens to all those books that well-meaning parents bought for each child? Books languish on shelves and are all but forgotten. People don't know what to do with them. They become an unnoticed fixture in a room, a space invader, unloved and ignored! Indeed some books have been on shelves in children's rooms for years and not been touched. Books are lying around homes, on children's book shelves, under beds, at the bottom of cupboards. They were wonderful, once upon a time, but . . . children grow up and grow tired of them quickly. Even schools are down-sizing their libraries and chucking out perfectly good books that simply haven't been borrowed by anyone for years, so they are deemed irrelevant and so 'out they go'!! Why isn't there a book collector to harness this vast resource?
Just imagine collecting these books and sending them off to schools in the outback; to schools that teach English as a second language; to remote communities in our region; to schools in India and Africa where books may be a luxury, new ones a rarity.
Apart from promoting the joy of books and the wonderfully relaxing and cathartic experience that reading can be, we would be re-cycling, and sharing, thinking of others perhaps less fortunate than ourselves and freeing up space for the next wave on our shelves at home. A win-win for everyone!
Books, Glorious Books!

kelster83

I would like to build a hospice by the river in my town. It's at the top of my list when I win the lotto. As a nurse I feel palliative care/hospice care is lacking and would love a facility where people could come and spend their last weeks in a place that is home like yet provides the very best care in all aspects.

anzacjay

It would be somewhere where women who are D V victims and have been made homeless could have their cars serviced and repaired, and made ready for registration etc; Where they could shower and have their hair cut and looked after. The things other charities don't think about. Somewhere to have a coffee and cake and meet with friends in a safe zone.

Jude30693100

I'd like to develop a program to empower migrant women and help them gain skills to become more settled and independent with education, family and employment support.

Jessica32092562

I have started a GoFundMe page for every 6 months to raise funds. I use these to purchase non perishable food, clothing, sanitary and hygiene items for the homeless and those in need. I am not rich, and my family live week to week however, anything to make things a little easier for those less fortunate than us makes my heart warm :) :)

gobombers

salvation army as they helped me when i needed help

pauline50

I would set up a charity with hopefully funding from my local government to help women who have hairloss access free wigs as there is no current help in WA.

Jabucat

Dexesing pets

Rossissmellingtheroses

I would commence an emergency home network of safe houses for those of both gender to gain safety from a partner & provide safety for children of those parents.

Poonam30692751

a charity to get women back from narcissitic abuse and women involved in petty crimes with or without serious convictions into work force and education.

des

I'd love to have a social enterprise similar to " AUSSIE VETERANS COFFEE CO" from Melbourne. They establish businesses and veterans run them. Coming from a family background of many relatives having been in the Australian armed forces it's close to my heart, what an inspiring job these guys do to not only employ but support veterans every day of their lives. Which is something overlooked in Australia for far too long. Only last year my nieces husband committed suicide and she has been affected with ptsd from 3 tours of Iraq. Anything that we can do to shine some light for these members of the armed services is good in my books, we should not ship them off overseas to fight for our country then let them come home different people and not have enough support for them to move past service life and lead a mentally healthy life going forward. Having a job to go to around like minded people that truly understand what your going through would be in my opinion such a great initiative , they don't want a hand out they need a hand up.

Luvmydogs

In a lot of places around Australia, there are Men's Sheds - for men! What about something for women, no matter what their age where they could come together & meet once a week/month & have morning tea & a chat. I know there are Craft groups but not every woman is "crafty".

Karen31977132

My charity would be for raising awareness in our society about mental health, more specifically, depression. Many people don't comprehend that a mental condition could be just like any physical injury such as a broken leg, you can't tell someone to "get over it" instead you got to support them, judgment-free, through the healing process. It is quite important in my opinion to raise awareness about this serious topic in our community.

capfantastic

I would commence some kind of charity involving raising money to process waste. It’s a subject no enterprise wants to tackle because there’s no money in it. I would be stupid for rubbish. Comic relief for recycling.

Debbie

Though I agree mostly with 'ab' regarding the overlapping charities....maybe an extension of some mental health charity that is for anyone who is diagnosed with a chronic or terminal disease. Doctors could refer people who have been given what is a 'life changing' diagnosis to a specially trained Mental Health counsellor who can help guide people on how to handle their disease. It does seem at the moment that we are expected to simply soldier on and navigate our way through :(

ab

Hi Taylor

This question is based on a premise that I already had a desire to start a charity and in that instance what would it be and why?
May I start by saying that I would not start a charity in the first place. There are 56,000 registered charities in Australia, and I find it impossible to accept that there are 56,000 different causes without some overlap. They all have merit; they wouldn't exist otherwise. But with 56,000 administrative systems managing the funds they collect, I can't help but think that if they were consolidated based on common causes, that so much could be saved and so much more could be done with the funds saved.

Instead of starting a charity, after deciding what I wanted to raise money for, I would scan the 56,000 existing charities for the ones that had a similar alignment to my cause, and then either donate funds or offer my time to assist in raising funds for them.

I'd like to give you a definitive answer on the 'what' and 'why', but there isn't a definitive answer because all the charities that currently exist have merit...the 'what' I give you today would be different a few months from now. But I can tell you the 'why'. For me, I am always motivated by a cause that pulls at my heart strings. When I reflect on all the causes I have supported in my life, whether it be through direct donation or fund raising, they have been motivated by an organization that has launched a campaign that has managed to really connect with me at that time. So, my 'what' has changed over the years, and has ranged from animal welfare, cancer research, the wellbeing of children, help for the blind, the list goes on. But the 'why' has remained constant, because at that time, the campaign worked to deeply move me to do something.

It'sOnlyMe

I would open a community based enterprise called, "Helping each other". The goal would be that we could identify the skills in our community and match them with individual, or whole community, needs.

For example, a lonely single Mum could be paired up with a recent retiree that's also lonely. They could offer companionship to each other and maybe also exchange wisdom and experience with 2 other generations. Or a retired tradie could help out those on no/low incomes with offering their trade at cost. Local cafes could donate left over foods to low income people. Unemployed people could go shopping for those with mobility problems. People could gather and grow gardens and use the food for community get togethers.

This enterprise would be a win for the community, a win for individuals and give more hope, thought and meaning to Life.

r23

Food for Homeless.!
I would like to have a charity to provide food to homeless since I believe no one deserves to sleep with an empty stomach and this is the basic essential need for survival.

cazter

If I came into millions of dollars, I would begin my social enterprise. It would be a community centre where I would buy the building. As I am studying to be a registered social worker, I would work as an intake and response worker and provide free consultations. I would be employing my fellow students as social workers too to assist me with the workload. Also, I would employ volunteers (of all ages) and provide them with a wage to supplement their incomes. Before opening the doors to the community centre, a community needs assessment would be completed so that the enterprise can assist as many people as possible.

Marie-Clare

Another one would be a morning tea to raise funds for the Starlight Foundation as this foundation assists kids with cancer which is a cause which is close to my heart!

Marie-Clare

Did it to assist suffers of cancer generally as we all have been touched by this disease

Marie-Clare

Held the Greatest Morning tea at work for the cancer, everyone gave donations and we played games for money to raise extra funds for the cancer council!

trace38

I would start a breast cancer foundation for mothers with breast cancer as I have had a friend who was a new mother die from this.

sherie333

Children from less fortunate homes extra help with school clothes, shoes, books etc. To try help reduce been bullied

kidwithsmurf

I know there is far too many charities out there in the world already. Some good, some not as good. However, if I was to start my own charity, I would make one called "Educate for the Future" where I help disadvantaged people of all ages, whether it be homeless, foster kids, kids with poor parents or parents who don't care, even elderly... to get on the right track and have the opportunity to do something with their lives.

I'd like to make this charity because it is one thing to give someone poor or who isn't being looked after food, shelter, clothes etc and to continue doing so until they die. But if there was a charity program where someone disadvantaged of any age could come up to my charity with a goal in life, my charity could help make that happen.

The way it would work is that my charity would use all the donations to pay for the course in the persons selected career far enough so that they could have enough skills to get an entry level position in a chosen career they'd like to do. For example, say a homeless person wanted to be a mechanic we would use our charity to pay for Tafe courses/help them to get them the skills they need to get an entry level mechanic job. On the flipside, say a foster child or person with parents who didn't care too much about their kids couldn't read and came up to our charity... we'd pay for them to get the education they needed to be able to get an entry level job in the future so they could become independent and look after themselves.

Thus, instead of just handing out things such as food, clothes, shelter etc... My charity would be helping people moreso in the long-term to be able to get on their feet, have a stable income and be able to support themselves in the long term. There is no point just giving a disadvantaged person food today, because they will be back tomorrow. My charity's goal would be to give the disadvantaged person the basic knowledge in the career they want to be able to earn an income and support themselves in the long-term so they don't need to come back and ask for food, accommodation etc for example.

Overall, the long-term goal of the charity would be to help make sure everyone is educated enough in a field of their choosing that they could get an entry level job. I know this wouldn't work if someone wanted to be a doctor but we could always path the way for them to get skills to get a job and then eventually they could work their way up to becoming something more. Plus, in my eyes if my Charity could educate enough disadvantaged people and get them an entry level job, the world would be better off as there wouldn't be as many homeless people, people seeking food handouts and clothes etc as they would all have enough money to survive.

MariaG

I would start a charity that offers support to full time carers. Being in that position myself and currently dealing with my hubby needing so much extra care, sometimes I feel that I am alone. Lately I have been dealing with thoughts that I could be doing more, yet people like my doctor say I also have to look after myself. Gee it's hard. He needs me and I feel an overwhelming desire to just make things better for him. I would like to have some kind of backup emotional support and I am sure so many other people feel the same. There are so many people who live behind doors that can become their whole world. They need to know there are places to go.

K13

There are many charities out there for homeless and disadvantaged women where they can go and be there for the day and participate in activities to occupy their time, pick up some fresh clothing, have a meal, take away a bag of food and get assistance with healthcare, centrelink, legal services etc. But there are not many of these places especially for men.

I would purchase a two storey house and I would call it "A Man's Cave." Homeless and disadvantaged men would be able to go there and spend the day just sitting quietly, doing an organised activity, having a meal, getting advice on whatever their needs are, being able to have a shower or wash their clothes/bedding and just generally having a safe place to spend their time.

It would be run entirely by volunteers to keep costs low and recipients of this services would be encouraged that when they are back on their feet, maybe they could consider making a donation so that the next man who comes along is able to have their needs accomodated.

Currently the amount of people who suicide, 75% are male. This number needs to come down.

I have been homeless in the past and there is a wide variety of places in Sydney that are for women only but there are very few places that accomodate the needs of men only. I think this issue needs to be addressed considering the fact that the majority of homeless people are men but the majority of the services are aimed at women. If homeless/disadvantaged men had a service designed especially for their needs, they might see that there is hope and the suicide rate might go down.

Homie

It would be a body beauty product where proceeds go to the primates in Africa where I have volunteered and have been hit hard by coronavirus affecting the people in the area.

maureen30656026

It would be animal related, hard to choose just one I think Honey Bears that are put through so much pain for their bile , try to educate the people not to torture them any more. Start up a no kill rescue . Get rid of the cage egg altogether I can dream can't I too old and frail now

no name

Did you watch the program called "Old Peoples Home For 4 Year Olds."? The benefits for the elderly people and the 4 year olds were measurable and so evident at the end of the experiment. I'd set up a not for profit charity to link preschoolers and the elderly for weekly visits. This was the second series and the concept will be a huge money maker for some enterprising company but I think it would be wonderful if it was all set up, run and assessed without charge by a charity.
The children learnt empathy and oral skills, the elderly were encouraged by the children to be more mobile and they all overcame terrible loneliness. This is a win-win activity for the children and the adults.

Marika

If I had the opportunity to start my own charity I wouldn’t. There are too many charities, many with the same purpose, which duplicates the administration and other costs, meaning less gets to those in need.
Ideally I’d look to see if there was an existing charity or social enterprise that I could align myself with, or run as a specific fund under their umbrella.
The purpose would be to provide work for refugees to build wheelchairs and other mobility equipment at a much lower cost than what is currently available. Some wheelchairs on the market cost as much as a car!
Additionally there would be education and support for those refugees employed and their families to give them the skills and ability to settle in our country and be a valuable part of this multicultural nation.

Homie

If I had the opportunity to start my own charity I wouldn’t. There are too many charities, many with the same purpose, which duplicates the administration and other costs, meaning less gets to...

Love this. So true. Social enterprise is a product that gives some profit to existing charities so that’s awesome but yes too many charities dilute the causes. 🙏🏻😊

louey46

A animals charity I would buy a bit of land and take as many animals as I could and give them a live they should have

justinsleary

If I was to start a charity, it would be around housing and homelessness. Why? I am not sure exactly of the reasons, but the past few months where I live I have seen a rise in the number of homeless people around the town where I live, and including people living in the car park of the apartment block where I live. I too have been homeless several times in my life, and I can tell you, it is no good and not fun at all.

If I started such a charity, on top of trying to help the homeless, I would also like this charity to be involved heavily in political activism, to try and change the reality of the housing market in Australia. Housing and shelter is one of the basic and essential human needs, but our society has made housing an item to be traded and invested in for profit and gain. So some people make a lot of money in investing in housing, whereas other people are forced into homelessness due to the high prices of either buying, or renting a home. I would be using the charity to push the case that as housing is an essential need, we need to change the landscape around housing in Australia and over time prevent housing being able to be bought and used as an investment. In other words, I would push to make it law that you can only buy a house that you will occupy. I would also lobby to have people who currently own mutliple dwellings to be able to divest or sell these assets at market value to new owner-occupiers. This would have to be funded by the government. I would also obviously try and look at, and lobby for the impediments slowiing down the rate of increase of the housing supply to be changed or removed, so that there is strong incentives and ability for construction of new housing supply to proceed at a faster rate. I feel also that pricing of housing should be capped or fixed, and only vary depending on the location, the age of the building, and some core features, like numbers of rooms, etc. Such a cap would make sense if we stop allowing housing to be traded or used as an investment, as there is no more need to try and "play the market" for capital gains.

I feel very strongly about this, and would want a charity to have some real power to change and improve things with housing in Australia. As I mentioned, shelter is a basic human need and shouldn't be used as a profit-making resource. I have been on both sides of homelessness, and I can assure you from my own personal experience that having stable and affordable and secure long-term housing makes such a huge difference in so many areas of a person's life. It improves one's health, both physically and mentally, you are able to be happier and achieve some of your goals, and you can get a job and contribute to society. Without secure, long term housing, these things can never be a reality.

Jodiddleo

I get very upset when I see the ad on tv about violence against women, when that woman pulls down her sweater to show the bruises I just want to reach in and help her, I just want to get her away from that situation. So, my charity would be for women who feel they have nowhere to go, nowhere to escape to. I realise violence and bullying can happen to men also . Life is so unfair sometimes.

luckey

My enterprise will be responsible for helping those under prevelaged group who are fighting not only with the corona virus but also with the proverty, disease, and much more suffering from hunger.

Rochelle32093843

So if I started a charity it would be a charity for those who are socially disadvantaged and perhaps isolated, whether that be victims of domestic violence, individuals who have come from other countries and perhaps don't speak English or have no family In sydney, the elderly who perhaps don't have family in Sydneyand or their relatives have deceased and or any other individuals who' like myself currently have no friends or family

Rochelle32093843

Wayside Chapel at Potts Point welcomes everyone. If you have a chance, head to Potts Point (nearest station is Kings Cross) and have a low cost meal in their cafe and I guarrantee someone will end...

Thanks so much I appreciate that and I'll try make my way out there sometime in the next week. Xx

K13

So if I started a charity it would be a charity for those who are socially disadvantaged and perhaps isolated, whether that be victims of domestic violence, individuals who have come from other...

Wayside Chapel at Potts Point welcomes everyone. If you have a chance, head to Potts Point (nearest station is Kings Cross) and have a low cost meal in their cafe and I guarrantee someone will end up striking up a conversation. Take care x

Kjxl

This was a hard choice as there are so many issues that need to be addressed but I love food and think many people take it for granted so I would start a charity for people facing poverty. It would be to send food packages overseas to people struggling like during Covid, in wars or as refugees since it's a very realistic issue many people are dealing with today.

BernardMP

It would be an education campaign targetted at most primary and secondary school children especially here in Australia to teach them about how lucky most of them are compared to many hundreds of thousands of children their age elsewhere in the world. Teach them to appreciate all that they have in life, the food they eat, the xbox they may play with or the phone they might use to talk to their friends down the street. Teach them to eat whatever food is placed in front of them, not grumble about "I dont like it" and to stop wasting the food. Show them how children their age in some countries are lucky if they have even 1 meal a day, how they make a game with some stones in a tin, or run around playing with a tyre. Its to teach them to appreciate everything they have in their lives and to give thanks for where they live, every day.

Andrew

A Day Centre based service for the Homeless People of the capital city of the State in which I live and then I would seek to expand it to be nation-wide, i.e. in every capital city. If you wish for details, please ask me.

ivory

I love to see wild hares, so it would have to be a save the hares and their habitat charity, plus a hare sanctuary.

pebbles

Being deaf. And with the covid. And people wearing masks i am unable to lip read. I have hearing devices but they. Help a little I have also found it hard to wear. A mask. And. Glasses and cochlear and hearing aid all together. My son made me. Something that has helped my mask up. Easier. ,I know there are many others. Out there in the same. Situation I would love to help them
I also. Help. Those out there who find it hard to be mobile. Every Sunday. I deliver free bread to. To. Those in my community. Finding it hard to make ends meet I live in hope that someone will do the same for me when i need it.

Bazz

I'd start up another Vegan no-kill Animal Sanctuary. Anyone working for the company in any position needs to be straight-edge vegan. There's plenty of good land here in average rainfall zones. The whole thing can be a self-sustaining operation if done properly using 'green energy' and over-unity systems already being used. I've lived half my life on a large farm and can do the work at all levels. Neglected and abused farm animals would be the primary focus. Money from tax-deductible donations would help run it, but I can fund it and run it from my own investments.

hispania

I would initiate a charity that provided companionship and stimulating activities for older people trying to stay living at home. The money raised would provide for interesting guest speakers at a local venue, for transport for outings to interesting places nearby, for expenses to encourage volunteers to provide regular contact, perhaps taking morning tea to share in the older person's home or in a local park, for phone call charges so that weekly contact is made with the person, for expenses to cover outings for birthdays, Christmas, Mother's Day etc if the person would otherwise be on their own and for gifts like flowers to make special occasions and magazines to be dropped in regularly. Many older people would prefer to remain at home but they miss out on the activities and visitors that occur in Aged Care facilities. It would be wonderful to have some money to help provide regular, interesting contact and a bright spot in someone's day. If volunteers were supported financially in a small way the contact might be more frequent. And the idea of someone turning up with a basket of scones (for example) sounds so caring and happy.

boppa99

My charity would be to help researchers in mental illness as a lot of people have it, 1 in 5 Australians And help produce non side affect medication because a lot of medication causes a lot of side affects including weight gain which a lot of families complain about

sandy2

I'd like to see a dam built where all the run off water from northern queensland could go to help farmers get through the many droughts we have here. The water could be pumped there through pipes like natural gas does.Maybe it could be placed somewhere in the desert so wildlife would not be harmed.

Ellie 30656027

I’d raise money for natural disasters. They work hard all their lives, risk their lives and are helpless when disasters happen. All to better the lives of others

tlw

I would not be interested in starting my own charity, as I think that Australia has far too many and people simply do not have the money to donate to all of them. I am not certain, but I understand that there is one country overseas (not sure which one) that only has one organisation that distributes the money across all the other charities and saves on administration costs. I have worked for a not for profit charity and I know the amount of money that is wasted on staff and administration.

Andrew

I would not be interested in starting my own charity, as I think that Australia has far too many and people simply do not have the money to donate to all of them. I am not certain, but I...

Hello tlw, having run a few charities, I understand where you are coming from. Regretfully, no charity has enough volunteers only to achieve its, or their goals. Additionally, if someone is working they surely are entitled to be paid for their work. Is not a labourer worthy of their hire? And how would the staff and their families live if they received no pay? I think you may need to think this issue through more completely and more thoroughly.

Killarney

I would dearly love to start up a charity to purchase/build more social housing especially for the homeless & women escaping DV. It breaks my heart to see so many people sleeping rough through no fault of their own. Some of these people work but don't earn enough to rent to greedy landlords. I have experience in this field as I worked for over 20yrs in housing before I retired so not only am aware of the proper nee, but know the people that would make it happen.
Cheers Colleen Power

Zelda

I would set up a help line and safe house for men who have experienced domestic violence. Whether it be from a family member, or a spouse or partner, male or female. The safe house would connect each man to resources and organisations that could help them get back on their feet, regain inner strength and self esteem and provide assistance with child care if they have access to or custody of their children. Counselling sessions and workshops would be offered. Outreach workers from organisations such as centrelink, housing, etc would make regular visits to the safe house, to assist anyone who needed assistance. Assertiveness and anger management workshops would be offered too. Once a person had found somewhere to live and hopefully a job, they would still have the option of staying in regular follow up contact with staff from the safe house, for around 6 to 12 months.

Angieg

I would create a Mental Health Service for those that have been detained for long periods of time for being a suicide risk. Many people struggle to fit back into everyday life and routine once out of the system as they have been living in a bubble where they have lost their independence. There is little or no follow up service to help those struggling once discharged, in their own home - needing to re-learn basics. Adapting to medication changes, dealing with crippling anxiety/depression, etc. often leads to Agoraphobia and negative outcomes.

jtmorri

Human connection and care can make a big difference to people's mental health, wellness and quality of life. I think a social enterprise with supporting infrastructure for an elderly and patient home/residential visiting service for company and interaction would fill a gap. Or even a hospice support network for patients and significant others so people aren't lonely, scared and alone in a challenging period of their life.

Shaymariff

I'd like to establish a homeless shelther that will not only house homelessness but will also incorporate free skills training programs provided by volunteers, that can essentially get them back on their feet again. Food donation drive will also take place every week on certain days to make sure that those who are not housed by any shelters, including mine, are at least fed well.

Shaymariff

I'd open my own homeless shelter. Not only will house the homelessness, but the shelter will also provide free skills training that can essentially get them a job, provided by volunteers. The reason why I have such ambitions is because my late dad taught us to have compassion and always be kind. I to make a difference and this is the kind of

wendel

Mine would be for Australian Wildlife, as we're running out of space for many of them with clearing of lands for new housing estates. I find it disgusting that we are putting our wildlife at risk of becoming extinct.

gypsygirl108

I would start a homeless charity that provides accommodation and also runs a small cafe that trains and employs the residents to help them get back on their feet and back into the community, with a creche for any children. I would then provide support to help them find a new job and new housing once they are financially stable.

renee2786

I would start a charity that has one on one support workers and mentors available 24/7 for women affected by domestic violence.
Where they support women from different things like helping them find safe housing and start their lives again after leaving DV and help them to safely flee from violence.
And just be there for them around the clock to chat and support them.

Momma Bear

I would organise a Charity that would not focus on one area, but instead help a few. It would help animal welfare, kids living in domestic violence and woman in domestic violence and the homeless.

flatu99

I'd build more accommodation for homeless and disadvantaged people, have access to hot showers/toilets, washing and dryer machines, food hampers, hot meals and toiletries with the only criteria is you are genuinely in need.

Radda

It would have to be a charity for kids, too many kids are getting sick these days and this is awful and not right

Raksha

I think a charity that provided enough housing for those who have been unable, through loss of jobs etc, to buy or rent a home would be something that I would love to see. I know many charities and church groups provide help for the homeless but there doesn't seem to be one group that provides permanent homes.

. V

I would love to open an animal sanctuary for unwanted pets like cats, dogs, rabbits etc. Give them a place to live until they are adopted to loving homes and if they can't be rehomed they can live out their years in comfort and safety of my santuary.

Dena31948125

There are so many categories to think of when starting a charity. If I would start a charity, my main focus would be to provide quality education for orphans. Also provide opportunities for homeless people to learn a career.

If I was too rich I would provide homeless people accomodation.