_Community Stories: Sarah Harding's volunteering experience

Sarah Harding, Partner and Joint National Head of Private Office at Knight Frank Australia, shares her experience helping those impacted by the coronavirus by collecting donated canned food and other non-perishable food items in her Northern Beaches community.

June 10, 2020

COVID-19 has not only been a health crisis, but an economic one too. With high levels of job losses and temporary lay-offs, many people and families are struggling and need support.

We spoke to Sarah about how she's lending a helping hand during these challenging times.

Please tell us a little about how you have gone above and beyond to serve your local community.

I wanted to do something to help those who are vulnerable and saw the co-operative (Co-op) community looking for volunteers to help collect essential items and non-perishable food for those in need. There was no one collecting in our suburb despite having a great community spirit, so I thought I could assist.

Why is volunteering important to you?

During tough times like these, it has put life into perspective and enables me to re-evaluate priorities. Helping those in need is something that has helped me keep motivated.

What do you think is the value of volunteerism?

I have seen the true benefit to the wider community. Neighbours have become involved; mums’ groups and school groups have helped. Parents have encouraged their children to get involved and have been dropping off donations as part of daily exercise or dog walks. It has brought a feel-good factor to the community during worrying times.

What did you learn from the experience?

I have learned that something so simple can have such an impact on families. I have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity and their want to do more.

Did your volunteering help to connect you with others and if so how?

Volunteering for the Co-op community has allowed me to meet neighbours, local businesses (social distance rules applies) but it has also shown a kindness and the fact that neighbours are looking out for each other in a way that I only remember when visiting my grandparents!

Do you think your volunteering has had an effect on your career and if so how?

This has given a balance which has been important when working from home and sometimes the inability to switch off. It has been good to encourage other colleagues who have struggled to adjust and aspire to do good during these trying times.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of volunteering?

Ensure you are passionate about the cause and that you can fit this into your everyday life. I have seen some great volunteering initiatives, however I simply couldn’t commit to these and would never want to let people down.

Do you have any future volunteering plans?

I will keep my eye out for what is needed in the community. As well as volunteering for the co-op community in the northern beaches, I also sit on a not-for-profit board called The 100% Project where the vision is to see 100% of Australia’s leadership potential, female and male, equally contributing to our social and economic future.

How did you find out about the volunteering opportunity?

Social media and our community Facebook page has proved a great support during the lockdown.

Find out more about how the Northern Beaches community is rallying together here.