The Gift of Giving

Words by Chloe Grabham

Images by Maja Baska

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There is something so incredibly rewarding about giving to others. From small acts of kindness to lending a helping hand when someone needs it most, giving can take on many shapes and forms. This month we explore some of the ways you can give back and make someone’s day through the joy of gifting. 

Gifting in the community

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Recent times and challenges have made us rethink the way we connect within our neighbourhoods. We are seeking more opportunities to be able to share things that we may have an abundance of or no longer need. 

If you need some inspiration on how you can get involved with gifting within your community here are a few ideas:

  • Free to good home - grab a basket or bucket and fill it up with your extra produce and let others take what they need from your bounty at the front gate

  • Create a neighbourhood food share stand - this is a great way for members of the community to swap different items of food or just donate produce they have an abundance of

  • Start a street library - a great way for members of the community of all ages to leave books they no longer want to read for the neighbours to enjoy

  • Crop swap groups - many of these groups are based online and are a great opportunity to expand outside of your neighbourhood to other nearby areas to swap and connect with others

  • Cooking or baking an extra batch of your favourite recipe for someone who might be worn out or unwell, receiving a meal or a treat is pure love!


Get Creative

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As well as sharing fresh produce in the community, there’s also plenty of creative projects to get involved with. These are ideal for the little ones and gives them an opportunity to bring and give a sense of joy in their community. So pull out those paint brushes to get working on things like…

  • A rock/ spoon village - create a space out the front of your garden with hand painted rocks or wooden spoons. It’s a fun project for others to add their own rock/ spoon additions too

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  • Paint some rocks and hide them on walking trails

  • Have a community fence gallery - set a date for members of the community to hang their works of art out on their fence for others to walk, drive past and enjoy

  • Have a veranda jam for those walking past like Lyttleton’s neighbour Steve who plays his double base on sunny afternoons for everyone to enjoy

Give a Lyttleton Gift

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We have had many people from near and far utilise our Thursday home delivery service to send a gift to someone they are unable to visit themselves. Received with surprise and joy, we’ve got something for all occasions from a thoughtful bunch of flowers to artworks by local creators to bath bombs and candles.

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One of the wonderful things about buying from Lyttleton is that you are supporting your local co-op and giving something quality and delightful. For the food lovers we have our fresh produce boxes as well as grazing boards that are perfect for sharing. 

Pay it Forward

Plenty of cafes and restaurants have a ‘pay-it-forward’ system, where you can purchase a coffee credit for a someone who may be in need. It’s a simple way to help support a local business and gift a random act of kindness.


Volunteering

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Gifting back to the community through volunteering is a gratifying experience that not only allows you to share and learn new skills, but it’s also a chance to connect with others. There are many places and ways to volunteer in the Blue Mountains during our lockdown that are helping essential services including The Food Pantry food rescue service in Katoomba, the Farm it Forward team, local wildlife rescue WIRES, and of course your local co-ops including Blue Mountains Food Co-op and Lyttleton. Volunteers come from all walks of life and if it has ever been something you’ve considered doing, now is the perfect time to jump on board and get involved with our lovely community.

Rosie Shepherd