Life’s experiences, coupled with opportunity and the generosity of spirit all fell into place when an acquaintance needed accommodation in Melbourne for a night.

As we sat in the comfort of my leafy Eltham home – feeling the cool breeze from the air conditioner and with an iced water in hand, we reminisced about our former lives, education, politics and reflected on South Africa and the subsequent freedom afforded to us in our new lives in Australia. Ironically we were both 24 years old at that stage, almost to the day!

It was one of those relentlessly hot and balmy 38-degree days. This was the catalyst to open a discussion about the conditions and plight of the 140,000 squatters in Missionvale who have no running water, electricity, transport or food – and how her mother, a recipient of the Benemerenti Award from the Vatican, had demonstrated the benefit of reaching out and helping others. I noticed as the sun rose we were still searching for ways to help continue the crusade of Sister Ethel, who had the vision to establish the Care Centre.

Missionvale Australia was established and active in Sydney, but needed a volunteer to run their operations in Melbourne – that person turned out to be me.

It was suggested that to help anyone at all, it is a requirement that you start by doing something you enjoy. My passion is classical music, in particular the piano. I thought about holding a concert fundraiser. That is where it all began. The first event, featuring prominent musicians, was crammed into my home. We all agreed we could expand the platform and hold another fundraiser for the Missionvale Care Centre, which was embraced with open arms.

A venue which was central to Melbourne, it accommodated the art form and promoted social justice and awareness, and welcomed the vision and turned the dream into a reality. I have subsequently staged three music recitals in Eltham and two music concerts at the Deakin Edge. I started with one performer and have expanded that number to over 300 performers, from music schools to a jazz band choir, and a team of pianists to prominent soloists.

Deakin Edge has an ambience which galvanises the ideals of the organisation, as the prisms of light filter through its glazed structure. It shows off the vista across the Yarra, the grandiose spectacle of the city and the effervescence of the MCG lights. It fuels and celebrates the diversity of the community.

The network has expanded to include young members of the community busking, orthodontic practices raising awareness and funds, and traders helping out any way they can.

Together, two tonnes of jumpers have been knitted, lost property from schools in Sydney have been shipped to Missionvale, thousands of pens from Melbourne for volunteers, and one person is currently packaging food parcels to sustain the families while the Care Centre is closed for Christmas.

A prominent emergency specialist and his wife, an occupational therapist, volunteered their expertise at the Care Centre. Their son, who is a prominent journalist, also volunteered his time. I believe the spirit and humanitarian goal has become a reality because this is the philosophy of the Australian people.

My personal experience as a child was consumed by sadness. My late brother was a victim of meningitis, and he spent his life as a ward of the state at a mental institution in Potchefstroom. My parents hosted a Christmas party for the residents annually, but my Mum felt it was “only a drop in the ocean” in terms of what they really needed. I’m glad that we are able to make a difference in the lives of those in need, with the help of generous people.

For this, on behalf of Missionvale, and with my hand on my heart, I thank you!

Preparations are well under way for our next event on Sunday, July 27 2014.

For more information: www.missionvale.com.au/