Abuse Survivor Funds Homeless Charity from Pension Among Melbourne Community Heroes
Lena Tupua, a 67-year-old pensioner in Melbourne, regularly dips into her aged pension to fund her homeless charity, Hands, Hearts, Hope. Having survived abuse herself, she understands the feeling of being forgotten and aims to provide safety, hope, and dignity to those on the streets. Ms. Tupua has been nominated for a Bunnings Warehouse Community Legends award for her impactful work.
From Personal Pain to Community Compassion
Ms. Tupua fled a life of abuse in New Zealand and now channels her experiences into helping others. "I have been there. I also know what it feels like to feel that you don't matter, having come from a life of abuse, including child abuse," she explains. Her charity focuses on supporting homeless individuals, whom she sees as someone's son or daughter with lost dreams.
Bunnings Warehouse, a partner of Back Australia, has supported her efforts by donating sleeping bags, hygiene products, and organizing community barbecues for fundraising. "Everything at the moment is coming out of my pocket and I'm on an aged pension," Ms. Tupua notes, highlighting the financial challenges.
Urgent Need for Storage Solutions
One major hurdle for the charity is storage. Ms. Tupua currently pays for a storage unit from her pension to keep winter supplies like sleeping bags and clothes. She appeals to the public for donated storage space in Melbourne to help sustain her mission.
If you can assist, contact her through the website handsheartshope.com.au.
Other Community Legends Making a Difference
The Bunnings Community Legends nominations also include other inspiring individuals:
- Mitchell Skuta: Founder of Gardening On Country, a business that creates gardening tools from recycled plastic. His initiative, now in 50 Bunnings stores, stemmed from frustration with beach pollution in Gippsland. As a proud Indigenous man, he emphasizes environmental care and protection.
- John Campbell: A 72-year-old cancer survivor who volunteers seven days a week across Melbourne. He supports various groups, including Rotary, Reclink, and the Salvation Army, through gardening, meal services, and bike repairs for the needy.
These nominees exemplify the spirit of community service, driven by personal experiences and a commitment to improving lives in Melbourne.
