This caring group of participants opted out of their free haircuts, and instead opted in for a random act of kindness – a great demonstration of community spirit after a trying 18 months of fires, floods, and Covid-19.
ETC’s Career Transition Assistance (CTA) Program assists customers over 45 to build their skills and confidence to be more competitive in the local job market.
During the 8-week program, Ballina CTA participants learned about their strengths, resilience, and mindset whilst taking part in various team activities and discussions.
As a part of their ‘Dress for Success’ lesson with ETC’s CTA trainer Amber Greene, the participants were offered complimentary haircuts to ensure they were feeling and looking job ready.
The men in the group came up with the idea of possibly donating the cost of the haircuts to another cause.
As a group, they decided to make up a number of ‘care packs’ for those facing tough times, especially after the recent flooding that effected their area.
The class used this as an activity to practice their online shopping and budgeting, before heading down together to shop for their list of ‘essential items’.
They purchased items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, cup-noodles, juice and cans of tuna… with a couple of non-essential, but delicious additions thrown in – like Arnott’s biscuits and Easter eggs!
They bagged up their packs, and delivered them to a local charity group LifeCare24, located on Tamar Street in Ballina.
“It was wonderful to watch the group come together to conjure up a plan of how to help those affected by the floods”
“A highlight for me was visiting Woolworths together to do the big shop, and completing the challenge of buying all the things on our list while staying within budget. It was awesome to do something for others and give back to our local community” said Amber.
LifeCare24 is a place where local people who need a little bit of help, can collect free bread or pick up discounted groceries.
Coordinator Kim Hutchinson, and her staff, were thrilled with this unexpected gift and couldn’t wait to share them with those in need.
Kim followed up with the class by saying, “I just wanted to thank you for your donation. There are a lot of people doing it tough in Ballina and your hampers will help us ensure that nobody goes hungry”.
Our Career Transition Assistance (CTA) program is designed to provide the skills you need to get back into the workforce! Learn more about the CTA program >
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