╭✿╯Received my pageant sash in the mail today. What a beautiful moment in time.... made me a tad teary. I've captured this moment, which will leave an indelible mark in my heart and mind for years to come and will undoubtedly be remembered for eternity.
Place your hand over your heart…feel that heartbeat? That's called purpose. Our lives have purpose and meaning. We are alive for a purpose... to add meaning & to make a difference in the lives of others.
“Great leaders don’t set out to be leaders. They set out to make a difference;” to make an impact and to enhance the lives and livelihoods of others. It’s NEVER about the ROLE. It’s ALWAYS about the GOAL. We may not be able to fix the world’s problems, but we can certainly do what we can, where we can and with what we have (resources) to make a difference and to add value and quality of the lives of others.
Life is about making a DIFFERENCE, taking a STAND and taking ACTION! We don’t need to be rich, famous, notorious, strikingly beautiful, flawless, young or perfect in order to help others… we simply need to CARE, show COMPASSION and have EMPATHY.
In life, everyone has gone through a story that has changed them. Everyone is facing a battle that we know nothing about. Too often we under-estimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, act or gesture... all of which have the POTENTIAL & POWER to turn a life around. With these powerful thoughts in mind, I’d like to introduce you to my chosen platform, “Homelessness, poverty and the disadvantaged”, which I’m PASSIONATE about.” My name is Liesel Kippen. I’m a poetess and a school teacher. I’ve had the awesome opportunity to interact with students of all ages throughout my life. I have seen homelessness and poverty in many forms along life’s journey and have witnessed its detrimental impact on the lives of those affected by it. For this reason, my passionate stance for the above-mentioned platform has taken form, root and flight.
Through my journey to “Pageant hood” I have chosen to stand up and make a difference and to mentally wrap each person I meet with arms of compassion. My platform goal is dedicated to adding quality of life & making my actions count. The initial moment that my application was accepted to participate in the Australian International Pageant, I decided there and then that my life was either going to be a daring adventure…”Pageant hood” (a scary thought and definitely one that sent initial shivers up my spine and sleepless nights) or it was going to be the all-too-familiar, “mediocre humdrum life”. The decision to embark on this journey to “Pageant hood” inspired a firm decisiveness within me that “the thread of my life would not be insignificant; but would be a memorable one, intertwined with endeavours to make a difference around me” - one that would enable me to spread my reach wherever I could!
According to statistics and census figures, on any given night in Australia “more than 116 000 people are estimated to be homeless and many more are living in insecure housing, one step away from being homeless. Around 51 000 are living in severely crowded dwellings. The main causes of homelessness are poverty, unemployment, shortages of affordable housing, family breakdowns, mental illness, assault, financial difficulty, social isolation and more. Domestic violence is the single biggest cause of homelessness in Australia.”
My plan of action this year to address homelessness, has included a number of initiatives aimed at making a difference and adding value and quality of life to others, as well as, giving back to the community, which so generously, willingly, powerfully and selflessly gives to others daily, on so many different platforms and fronts. My endeavours include, and will continue to include, well after the Annual Pageant Coronation is over:
Volunteer work – Collecting and distributing food packages to the disadvantaged. Volunteer work –English tutoring to adults from disadvantaged backgrounds after work. Fundraising initiatives to support homeless and disadvantaged individuals. Volunteer work – Soup kitchens, which focus on feeding the homeless over weekends. Volunteer work – op shops, where I provide my time, efforts and donations to their cause and their endeavours to provide support to the homeless. My support of organisations for the homeless & disadvantaged. (National Homeless Collective, Homeless of Melbourne, Vincent Care Ozanam House, Melbourne City Mission, Salvo Care Eastern Homelessness & Support Services, and others.) Charity appeals for the homeless and disadvantaged. Blogs/ editorials/ awareness campaigns on social media to highlight my initiative. Any other opportunities which present themselves along the way, where I can make a difference, and add richness, quality and value to life.
Lastly, “we can choose to let the world and its hardships affect us, or we can choose to positively affect the world.” My endeavour is for every heart or individual I touch, to have a profound and powerful ripple effect, where their lives are enriched and where they, in turn, can enrich others. We all can make a difference! There’s no greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone’s life. I ASPIRE to INSPIRE before I EXPIRE.
`*.¸.*✻ღϠ₡ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸ღ *✻ღ ╭✿╯In life, everyone has gone through a story that has changed them. Everyone is facing a battle that we know nothing about, so let's be kind, caring, COMPASSIONATE and considerate. In a world full of people who couldn't care less, let's be the REMNANT who care MORE. Not caring is easy. Now, taking time to care...that, on the other hand, is daunting, challenging and not for the FAINT-HEARTED. It's a skill that takes TIME, PATIENCE and EFFORT to CULTIVATE.
There is a purpose for everyone we meet. The ones who bring out the best in us, who love, respect and accept us for who we are... those are the ones worth keeping around. In the end, the person with a beautiful heart and soul is the person who we will remember the most and who will have a PROFOUND IMPACT on us. Have an awesome day. ☆‿ℒℴνℯ´⁀♡ ★ ° :. . • ○ ° ★ * . . ° . ● . ° ☾ °☆ ¸. ● . ★ ★ ° ☾ ☆ ¸. ¸ ★ :. . • ○ ° ★ . * . . ¸ . ° ¸. * ● ¸ . ° ☾ ° ¸. ● ¸ . ★ ° :. . • ° * :. . ~♪~ ♪♫•* •○*´¯`• ﾚ o √ 乇 •.¸¸. ★
`*.¸.*✻ღϠ₡ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸ღ *✻ღ ╭✿╯Participating in The Australian Pageant (for the not so young ...and yep, they do have those ) next year and thoroughly excited about it. Apart from ticking my bucket list, it affords me the opportunity to MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF OTHERS, to ADD QUALITY TO LIFE where I can, to EXTEND MY REACH and TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The platform I'm passionate about is "HOMELESSNESS, POVERTY & SUPPORTING THE LESS FORTUNATE."
Experienced lots of this back home. Homelessness is faced by a large number of people back home. There are no support mechanisms in place there, to support the homeless or the disadvantaged.
I started my project OFFICIALLY yesterday, where I picked up the parcels and today, where I delivered them to various locations. It hasn't been dull, that's for sure. In fact, with me, there's never a dull moment. Memorable moments galore. I'll talk more about them tomorrow, as I've just arrived home now at 8:30pm, after my first official volunteer job, as a driver delivering food to the disadvantaged (after work, in CHERRY BUBBLE. She's doing her bit for humanity as well, my little angel bubble. I love her to bits). This will be a fortnightly venture, & will continue well into the future. I'll say this, " Hats off to drivers". The saying is so true...you only understand when you have walked in the shoes of others, or experienced the hardships of others. We take so much for granted in this life.
Anyway, more on that tomorrow. For now, here's a quick glimpse of my delivery packages. To my friends and family, your support in my endeavours will be hugely appreciated. Walk this journey with me and be with me every step of the way, to encourage, motivate me and share in my joy at making a difference in the lives of other...where I can with the resources I have available.
#australianinternationalpageant
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╭✿╯Collecting food parcels today after work, for delivery tomorrow (after school), to those in need. And the volunteer work continues... I thought they were fortnightly deliveries...nope...weekly.
(¯`✻´¯) `*.¸.*✻ღϠ₡ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻ ╭✿╯Fruit & veggie parcel delivery day today, by Cherry Bubble & I (after work). ~ Volunteer work
(¯`✻´¯) `*.¸.*✻ღϠ₡ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸ღ *✻ღ *✻ღ ╭✿╯Working in Vinnies Op Shop on Saturdays, starting today. (10am-5pm) I'm excited. I can hardly wait.
(¯`✻´¯) `*.¸.*✻ღϠ₡ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻ ╭✿╯Making a difference ~ My November plans...
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╭✿╯November fundraiser: National Homeless Collective Ltd
I'm raising money for NATIONAL HOMELESS COLLECTIVE LIMITED and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate a little or a lot. Anything helps. Thank you in advance,, for your support. I've included information about NATIONAL HOMELESS COLLECTIVE LIMITED below.
National Homeless Collective is a grassroots Australian charity that creates solutions to complex issues arising from homelessness, domestic violence, and social disadvantage.
Prize:
One blessed individual from those who have donated will receive a brand new 9ct pure gold ring in time for Christmas. It's a beautiful stamped gold ring (size 6-7), with beautiful stones/diamonds. I've chosen to provide this gift because it's an excellent gift to give a loved one. All participants will be entered into the draw. The draw will be done live & will be recorded for all to see, to ensure transparency & fairness. My family & I will not be part of the prize but we will certainly donate cash to the cause.
I'd like to see this ring find its way to a good home before Christmas, with compliments from Lee. If you don't win, be thrilled that you were part of the "gift of life" initiative ... one geared at making a difference and adding value to lives.
This fundraiser closes on 9 December 2020 and the winner will be announced then, as well as the amount raised. The item will be posted immediately afterwards.
Note: All donations go straight to the charity. There's no middle man involved. I won't be handling any cash.
P.s. When you have donated, type your name in the comments or inbox me, so that I can include your name in the draw. The minimum amount using the donate option below is $7. For amounts less than $7, feel free to inbox me for assistance.
Great English & Maths Adult Classes today.
(¯`✻´¯) `*.¸.*✻ღϠ₡ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸ღ *✻ღ ╭✿╯My English Adult Classes begin today after work, at 6pm. (Volunteer work). Can hardly wait to start these classes and teach English& Maths to those in need.
╭✿╯My journey, "MAKING A DIFFERENCE ~ HOMELESSNESS" captured at different stages.
╭✿╯ This certificate & its course material will come in handy with my Adult English Class Teaching, which begins today after school. (Volunteer work)
╭✿╯Got my first sponsorship for the pageant from my sons, Josh & Adam. Yay! Thrilled to bits.
╭✿╯Text message & pic sent to me by my colleague, Will. Sense of humour from Will. Ripper! I did n't have my phone on me to respond. It was in my locker and I was on duty....collecting and sorting hangers, putting clothes away, packing toys, tidying books,...the works. I only saw this message a day and a half after.
My October 2020 journey:
(¯`✻´¯) `*.¸.*✻ღϠ₡ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸ღ *✻ღ *✻ღ ╭✿╯October 2020 Blog
My Pageant Journey Begins…
If anyone had told me prior to October 2020 that my life was going to take on a dramatic turn for the better, I certainly would not have believed them. Not only would I not have believed them, but I certainly wouldn’t have been able to even contemplate the thought. Being where I am right now, on the brink of an all-encompassing and life-changing experience, I find the thought overwhelming, yet empowering.
What started out as a casual interest and a desire to participate in the 2021 Australian International Pageant, has taken on dimensions, parameters and a platform far beyond anything I’d ever imagined. “A journey of unchartered territory” I muse to myself. “A journey of endless possibilities, opportunities and initiatives that add substance, character, quality and definition to life.”
October 2020 will forever be a special month for me – not only because my birthday falls in October, but because October is the month where my journey to “Pageant hood” began. From the ponderous moment of sending in my application, to the pensive and reflective moments when the reality and enormity of the situation finally hit me, I soon realised that this was no ordinary undertaking. I was about to impact on life. I was embarking on life-changing and enhancing endeavours. I was on the cusp of taking a stand for a cause. I was on the verge of MAKING A DIFFERENCE in my immediate surroundings, with the resources I had available. Fleeting thoughts at the time about how I could help others, enhance their lives and enrich their future, dominated and plagued my head space.
HOMELESSNESS was my chosen platform. The mere thought sparked a passion deep within me and ignited a burning desire to make a difference in the lives of those affected by it. While I’ve always wanted to provide my support in this area, this initiative has really gained ground and momentum and has taken flight on airborne wings, with The Australian International Pageant as the driving force and trigger. I am driven, dedicated and fiercely loyal to this cause.
My life has taken on a wealth of meaning and direction this month, since embarking on this pageant journey, which I owe solely to The Australian International Pageant. From Day 1 it has been a mind-blowing venture, aimed at building my platform and extending my reach. From collecting food parcels and delivering these weekly, to working in Op Shops weekly, I have found myself hunting down ways to make a difference, enhance life and make my actions count. It’s been a phenomenal start to my journey, and one that I am so thankful for. My gratitude and appreciation goes out to The Australian International Pageant, for making my dreams come alive and for filling my life with purpose and meaning.
(¯`✻´¯) `*.¸.*✻ღϠ₡ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸ღ *✻ღ *✻ღ ╭✿╯Cherry Bubble getting ready for her weekly food parcel deliveries (to those in need). She's getting old now, my gorgeous little angel bubble...and the only car I've ever owned . The boxes are bigger than her. This week's groceries included chicken, eggs and milk, as well as the weekly fruit, veggies and non-perishables. I try to deliver some parcels before work and others straight after work on a Thursday
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*.¸.*✻ღϠ₡ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸ღ *✻ღ ╭✿╯Two new families added to my food parcel collection and deliveries...
╭✿╯Adult Education Classes (Volunteer Work) Great tutoring session. Tailored to participants’ needs. Covered areas of Reading, Writing, Oral Language & Maths.
╭✿╯Was given my special Op Shop badge from Vinnies.... machine - printed. I love it & wear it with pride. ♥️
╭✿╯My first Soup Kitchen shift, feeding the homeless and less fortunate. A truly beautiful moment.
We started the shift with a prayer and a worship song, with the homeless. Thereafter, we served them heaps of meals. I'll post all the meals tomorrow. All the food is donated and the meals are cooked by the volunteers. We started preparation at 3pm. From 4pm they started coming in to sit down and eat a buffet meal. Then, at 5:30pm, they were able to take food parcels home in containers and fill their shopping bags.
The buffet meal consisted of everything you could think of - a 4 course meal which started with chicken soup and veggie soup with naan bread, bread rolls and garlic bread.
The main course included roast chicken, tons of different salads, roasted veggies, beef pasta, vegetable couscous, roast potatoes, fish cakes, braised carrots, coleslaw, broccoli salad, scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, etc.
Dessert consisted of caramel slice, apple crumble, rhubarb crumble, with a drizzle of mango pulp, as well as fruit salad with nuts and raisins, fresh fruit (cherries, strawberries, kiwi, mangoes, peaches, plums, nectarines, mangoes, etc. ) Individuals could take punnets of strawberries, bags of cherries,...the works. Fruit dips, yoghurt and other treats were served with the fruit.
Other treats included doughnuts, cinnamon buns, cakes, danish pastries, chocolate buns, etc. and fresh cold water to drink.
What was left over was packed up, labelled and taken to the Caravan Park in Dandenong for delivery to the homeless and less fortunate there. What a gorgeous setup.
Thereafter, cleaning of the premises took place; from washing dishes, wiping and folding away tables, sweeping...the works. Just got back home now, after 7pm.
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╭✿╯On behalf of one of the state directors, Brigitte Ow, the Australian International Pageants and Hearts of Purple , I would like to ask for your help and generosity for an upcoming project called “IN the BAG.”
As a Ms Australia International contestant, I would like to help and support this worthy cause.
150 handbags will be filled with essential items and given to victims of Domestic Violence. We are looking at adding a little extra for Christmas, eg chocolates & cookies. If you can help with a donation of a supermarket voucher it will go a long way to make their Christmas extra special.
Thank you
Kind regards.
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My 2nd email to National Homeless Collective. The 1st email was to confirm that they had received the donation from Facebook. I initially contacted Facebook, asking for records of the donated amount, which they gave me. I then confirmed with the National Homeless Collective that they had received the amount donated. This last email was to inform them of the final amount donated. I'm happy to report that they have received the donation. This was the response from the Director. Once again, thank you so much dear friends & family for your donations.
[Turn on sound.] 
I only saw this message a day and a half after. 
