Presenting your 2021 Westfield Local Heroes
We are excited to announce your three 2021 successful Westfield Local Heroes for St Lukes.
Each of the affiliated organisations of the successful heroes will be awarded a $10,000 grant to support their work to thrive. Westfield will award 126 grants across Australia and New Zealand – totalling $1.26 million.
For further information or to discover the Westifield Local Heroes at other Westfield centres, visit the Westfield Local Heroes website.
Your three Westfield St Lukes Local Heroes are:
Deborah McLarin
Graeme Dingle Foundation Auckland
Dedicated. Humble. Nurturing
Deborah McLarin left teaching after four decades to make a positive difference in the lives of at-risk tamaraki (children) with the Graeme Dingle Foundation. She now coordinates the Kiwi Can programme, which helps nearly 1900 children in areas of high social deprivation to overcome life’s obstacles and reach their full potential.
(Nana) Marie Jujnovich
Heart Kids Auckland
Dedicated. Loving. Caring
Nana Marie Jujnovich has been a rock for children with a heart condition and their families for 30 years as a volunteer with Heart Kids Auckland. Nana Marie is 83 years and visits the Starship Hospital twice a week to offer a listening ear, a warm hug and a hand to hold.
Sarah Page
Kindness Collective
Generous. Compassionate. Connector
Sarah Page founded the Kindness Collective in 2014 to ensure families and children access to food, clothing and other essentials. She began by asking family and friends to donate food for the community, inspiring more and more people to join her cause. To date, the charity has donated almost $521,000 worth of goods.
We congratulate our finalists and recognise the important contribution they make to the local community.
Jeanita Cush-Hunter from Children's Autism Foundation
Jeanita Cush-Hunter is a beacon of hope for desperate families who reach out to the Children’s Autism Foundation for help to deal with their children’s challenging behaviours. With her help, the kids grow in confidence and develop social skills.
Miffy Barling from Youthline Auckland Charitable Trust
Miffy Barling found her calling with Youthline Auckland Charitable Trust, where she helps 200 volunteers support thousands of young people in crisis. Last year, her triage team responded to 150,000 calls for help from people aged 15-24.
Peter Leilua from Global Hope Mission
Peter Leilua left a stable job to devote his days to helping troubled teens turn their lives around at Global Hope Mission. Peter has witnessed how disadvantaged young people become caught in the revolving door of the criminal justice system.
If you need support, please phone Lifeline: 0800 543 354.
Recognising all our 2021 nominees
View all of the Westfield St Lukes nominees and their organisations