MERCURY SERIES - Making A Difference
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A TV show played a part in Shaz Harrison-Shaw of Bulli deciding to help struggling families.
The show in question is The Secret Millionaire, in which a wealthy person goes undercover in a deprived area of a town and ends up donating a large sum of money to the community.
"I've always liked that show The Secret Millionaire and I thought, 'When I make my millions, I'll help out charities and people who are doing really good things'," she said.
"But then I thought, 'Why wait - I can make a difference now'."
Ms Harrison-Shaw was the businesswoman behind a range of cleaning products called Purewipes.
"I recently sold my business and I wanted to do something new for the community," she said.
"I just wanted to feel good - I had so many business connections that I thought I could make a difference. It just makes you feel so good because there are so many needy people out there."
How she chose to help was by holding a local "Need a Feed" event at Berkeley next month. which will be the first in the state.
"I'm working with my birth mother, who's in Queensland," she said.
"We did the Need a Feed up there and they just bought a refrigerated food van. The Brisbane Anglican Maori Mission take that out full of food to the people on the streets.
"She organised that one and I wanted to organise a Need a Feed event for NSW."
The event will be held at Berkeley Neighbourhood Centre on February 9. Needy people will receive a package of fresh and canned foods donated by local businesses and residents.
Ms Harrison-Shaw said the response from people about the event has been "really, really good".
"I've had phone calls from people who have seen flyers and are in need, so they will be joining us on the day," she said.
"And a lot of businesses, immediately they say, 'Yes, how can we help?' "
Though anyone in need is eligible for a parcel, the event was targeting struggling families, Ms Harrison-Shaw said.
"I guess that's because we're a family and I know how hard it can be," she said.
"We've got three kids, a mortgage, and I just know that times can be tough. And especially after Christmas, people want to provide so much for their families and the basics get pushed out the window. So it's going to fill that little gap."
The Need a Feed event will take place on February 9, 11am-2pm, at the Berkeley Neighbourhood Centre in Winnima Way. Those in need can turn up on the day to get a food parcel.
If you wish to help, visit www.facebook.com/doyou needafeed or contact Ms Harrison-Shaw on 0404 474 880.