“I can’t tell you how many times I sat staring at the phone with my fingers hovering over the buttons, but when I put it into perspective and thought of how many more people I could help by spreading the word the decision to call editors became easy,” says Lisa Grech as she recalls her experience of creating a charity event to support her local community.
Lisa is a mother, teacher and the business owner of Little Grasshopper in Canberra and she shares with us her story about how she conceived Little Grasshopper’s ‘Baby and Kids Gear Op Swap’ parties…
1. Tell us your story and how you identified the goals you wanted to achieve:
At the beginning of this year I felt an intense yearning to give back to my community in some way.
I own an online baby gift store – Little Grasshopper (www.littlegrasshopper.com.au) and as I am passionate about all things baby I decided to set a goal of creating my own charity event in support of a local community organisation that supports mothers and babies in crisis. Hence Little Grasshopper’s ‘Baby and Kids Gear Op Swap’ parties were born!
2. How did you work towards achieving your goal – did you have a plan and a deadline to achieve your goals?
I knew that I wanted to help my chosen organisation before the cold Canberra winter, so had to move quickly. I have been incredibly lucky to have had the support of some marvellous people who gave up their time for me in the process. Being my first attempt at organising an event of this scale I really needed it!
Since hatching the idea I have put a lot of thought and effort into the planning and submitted a press release to the local media. I now have many families on board to hold their own parties for May and June this year. I’m really proud of this achievement and hope it will help as many families as possible.
3. What was the biggest challenge you encountered along the way?
My original plan was to simply hold my own op swap party, with the remainder of the clothing and blankets going to Karinya House (my chosen organisation). The idea quickly grew and I soon realised that I was going to have to dream bigger if I wanted to help them as much as I could before winter.
The thought of going to the press was extremely daunting to me and admittedly one of my biggest hurdles. I can’t tell you how many times I sat staring at the phone with my fingers hovering over the buttons, but when I put it into perspective and thought of how many more people I could help by spreading the word the decision to call editors became easy. They were all so lovely and willing to help that I was so pleased I had called them. I was also proud of myself for having done it – I spent lots of time rehearsing what I was going to say so as to not wreck my chances!
4. What inspires you and keeps you going when you encounter obstacles?
The thought of people suffering unnecessarily pains me and although I’m not saving the world with one sweep of the hand I feel that every little bit helps. When I feel discouraged by obstacles I remember to be grateful for the smallest of things in my life, look at the bigger picture, search for another way to get there and remember what the final outcome will be. I actually visualise myself reaching the goal and how I will feel – that seems to help!
5. What advice do you have for anyone wanting to achieve a goal?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Use all the avenues available to you to find the right people to support you in realising your goals.
6. What are the next goals you hope to achieve?
Giving back to my community is something I am passionate about now – especially after having a child. I’m always dreaming up ways I can help, so I dare say my next goal will be to support another community organisation in need.
Check out Little Grasshopper’s gorgeous selection of baby gifts here…
