Jackie Galland, the compassionate force behind Giving Aroha, is dedicated to supporting individuals in the community. For five years, Giving Aroha has been a lifeline for those living on the streets, providing food, shelter, and essential supplies to those who need them most. Jackie’s tireless efforts and unwavering dedication have made her our very own Nelson Auto Glass Specialists Local Legend this month.
Giving Aroha operates on the front lines, with the help of Jackie’s amazing volunteers regularly checking on the community, providing meals, and helping them find a way forward. “We have a bond with the streeties that agencies don’t have because we’re out there and we’re reliable.” The charity addresses various needs, from getting power hooked up to finding a warm place to stay for the night. Jackie emphasises the importance of paying attention to the simple needs of people, which can make a significant difference in their lives. The charity started with Jackie responding to a social media post by Pip Grant seeking blankets and soup. What began as a small effort has grown into a vital weekly operation, serving around 50 people and more.
Funding is a constant struggle for Giving Aroha, with most resources coming from personal donations and fundraising efforts. Jackie highlights the systemic failures that leave people in the community without adequate support, stating, “The system is failing, regardless of which policies are in place. Even the ‘streeties’ last port of call does not help them. All they need is a bed for the night without being harassed.” Jackie and her team often find themselves doing what agencies do not, from providing warm blankets to intervening in crisis situations. Their transparency and dedication have built trust with the community, a crucial factor in their success. “We are doing all the hard work and picking up where the agencies are lacking – all out of our own back pocket,” Jackie says.
Giving Aroha urgently needs more funding, especially for meat, pantry food, and other essentials to continue supporting people. Jackie’s love and dedication to her ‘streeties’ drive her to keep fighting for their well-being, making her an irreplaceable pillar of her community.
