Testimonies
What People Are Saying About Helping Hands
Mel’s Story of Strength and Gratitude
In 2017, Mel came to Helping Hands during one of the most challenging times in her life. She had just escaped domestic violence with two young children—aged three and five months—and was recovering from a serious fall that left her with two broken legs.
At 39, Mel had worked all her life and never had to ask for help before. Isolated and facing post-natal depression and anxiety, she didn’t know where to turn—until a psychologist and case manager connected her to Helping Hands Airport West.
“I had never asked for help before. I didn’t even know what services were out there. I was in a dark place and had escaped with next to nothing.”
When Mel first connected with Helping Hands, she described the experience as overwhelming in the best possible way.
“The volunteers were so kind and empathetic. The generosity was something I’d never seen before—it made me feel worthy of the support and help.”
“The compassion and kindness—I didn’t even know how to accept it at first. But the volunteers at Helping Hands made me feel like I mattered, and that had a lasting impact.”
Mel was raised to believe asking for help was something to be ashamed of. But through your warmth and respect, she saw things differently.
“Having people who were non-judgemental, kind, and compassionate—people who told me ‘You are so deserving of this’—that stayed with me. I had never heard that before. The volunteers were so respectful, and that made all the difference.”
“Empathy and kindness are real skills, and the Helping Hands volunteers had all of that. The smiles, the care, the warm welcomes—especially when you’re asking for help for the first time—make all the difference. That gave me the courage to seek more help. If I hadn’t had a good experience with Helping Hands, things could have turned out very differently.”
Now, eight years later, Mel has completed a Diploma of Community Services, earned a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and is launching her own podcast. She shares her lived experience as a speaker and advocate — paying forward the care she once received.
Last week, Mel returned to our pantry — not to receive help, but to say thank you.
“The community and services I received were fundamental to my healing and recovery. I needed you to know the impact you had.”
To our Helping Hands volunteers — thank you.
You made Mel feel seen, respected, and worthy. You helped her turn pain into purpose. Whether you're volunteering in the community pantry, the op shop, or behind the scenes, your contribution is what makes the difference.
— Mel, Airport West Community Pantry Client
“To the volunteers at the Sunshine hub I just want to acknowledge and thank you all so much for your hard work and help in helping me and my family be able to have meals to eat through the Community Pantry. Honestly I’ve cried nights trying to figure how I’m going to feed my kids, if it wasn’t for you volunteers and the drive we would’ve went some nights not eating, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
— Shay, Sunshine Community Pantry Client
“Helping Hands has been a Godsend for me and I could not be more grateful to the team that makes it happen!
It's filled my freezer for the weeks of not knowing (I love the sourdough).. weeks of toast!
The ever welcoming greeting upon arrival from the team...made a difference to my personal world.
If you are in real need and on the cusp of desperation of knowing if you have food, then Helping Hands are more than you could imagine! I am so truly grateful and every time I clean out cupboards and no longer fitting good clothes I'm so delighted to give back. Thank you to all the team and volunteers!”
— Julie, Airport West Community Pantry Client
Vladimir’s Story – A Place of Nourishment, Connection, and Community
For 13 years, Vladimir has been a familiar face at Helping Hands. First as a dedicated volunteer and now as a regular visitor to our Community Dining Room, Vladimir knows firsthand the impact of a warm meal and a welcoming space.
Since 2015, he has come almost every day for a hot lunch—not just for the nutritious, home-cooked food, but for the friendship, conversation, and sense of belonging that Helping Hands provides.
After losing his wife, Vladimir found himself living alone, and without regular social interactions, life became isolating. But at Helping Hands, he has found a lifeline—a place where he is always greeted with a smile, where he can share stories over a cuppa, and where he knows he truly belongs.
“Helping Hands is one of the best charities I have ever seen.” – Vladimir
Vladimir understands just how important this space is—not just for himself, but for so many others who rely on the dining room for both food and companionship.
“A lot of people don’t even know how to boil an egg; they can’t cook for themselves. This is a great place to come.”
With fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily, the dining room helps people eat well and stay healthy, ensuring that no one has to go hungry.
“The food here is brilliant—nutritional and cooked for good health.”
Beyond the food, the impact of a warm meal goes even deeper. For those struggling, even something as simple as a bowl of soup can provide comfort and strength to face the day ahead.
“People down in the dumps come and have a bowl of soup, and they’re ready to go!”
For Vladimir, and for many others, Helping Hands is more than just a place to eat—it’s a community, a support system, and a second home.