This story is part of an ongoing series in the North Central Review aimed at showcasing and celebrating the people of our region. To nominate a worthy contributor to our region, email news@ncreview.com.au or send a message to our Facebook page.
By Grace Frost
Founder and ‘heart and soul’ of charity group Love in Action, Sue Scrivens, is regarded by many Mitchell Shire residents as ‘an inspiration’ for her dedication to community wellbeing.
Ms Scrivens said she was left ‘extremely honoured and humbled’ after numerous people nominated her to the Review as an inspiring woman in the area for International Women’s Day.
The nomination, however, comes as no surprise to those who work alongside Ms Scrivens, who recognise her as ‘a symbol of love and kindness’ and an ‘inspiration to both men and women’.
Ms Scrivens, together with friends, started Love in Action eight years ago with the dream of providing assistance to members of the community who were facing difficulty.
“We knew Mitchell Shire had an extremely high number of single mums and started to make enquiries as to how we could make a difference to struggling families,” Ms Scrivens said.
The team hoped the organisation would belong to and be owned by the community, and money raised would go directly to those who needed help the most.
From humble beginnings, helping six families from a lounge room, Love in Action has now helped hundreds of individuals across the region, including those affected by family violence and homelessness.
The charity have more than 6500 people supporting their mission via its Facebook page.
“I still have to pinch myself,” Ms Scrivens said.
“I think the charity has had a huge impact on our community and the credit goes to all those working so hard behind the scenes.”
Love in Action provide major assistance at Christmas and Easter with hampers and presents, which are given to families in need of assistance who would otherwise go without.
Throughout the year, their emergency hampers are filled with essential items including toiletries, nappies and food items for those disadvantaged.
The team also organise and host major events throughout the year to fundraise, including a trivia night and raffles.
Ms Scrivens said the charity had experienced families who needed a helping hand then extend that hand to help others.
“We have seen children share some of their Christmas presents as the year before they had nothing and remembered we delivered to them. When things got better for them they dropped off some of their presents,” she said.
“We have seen families with such sad faces when we meet with them emerge with a smile and realisation that someone cares.”
Ms Scrivens said her mother and the compassion she showed inspired her in beginning Love in Action.
“I had a great role model in my own mother who spent years at the North Melbourne commission flats teaching the mums how to cook, budget and feel good about themselves. We always had interaction in our home for those needing a lift,” she said.
A mother and grandmother, Ms Scrivens said she had seen the women in her family ‘pass the baton’ and continue the legacy of making a difference.
“My daughter is now president of Love in Action and my grand-daughter is following in her footsteps, spending lots of her spare time raising awareness and working on fundraisers,” she said.
To Ms Scrivens, International Women’s Day is about contribution and community.
“It means that every woman has something to contribute. You never know where sowing a small seed can lead,” she said.
“A group of dedicated women – and men – can change the world and their local community.”
