MICHELLE Fleming of Morisset opened her heart to homeless people after finding herself homeless in 2007.
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The single mum of three started with some informal outreach work with homeless people from Newcastle to Woy Woy.
That then grew into Ms Fleming founding the charity Homeless Donations NSW Inc, in 2013.
Today, she runs the charity with her children, aged 18, 16 and eight.
The catchline for the charity is ‘HUGS for our Homeless’. HUGS is an acronym for hats, underwear, Gatorade and sunscreen.
“I’d sit with my homeless friends and ask them what was the hardest part of the year for them?” Ms Fleming said.
“I’d always assumed it would be winter. But the homeless told me summer was just the worst. They’d get eaten by mozzies, they couldn’t escape the heat, and when they’d move into a public space that had air-conditioning, they’d get moved on pretty quickly.”
And so began her online campaign to collect donations of hats, underwear, Gatorade and sunscreen. Insect repellent, bottled water, thongs and toiletries are also gratefully accepted.
Ms Fleming, 44, said the charity’s work now included much more than the provision of modest creature comforts.
“We’ve also helped to house 14 rough sleepers, and 12 of them have found jobs,” Ms Fleming said.
Her other charitable passion is helping the state’s drought-stricken farmers by raising funds for Drought Angels. She said the two causes were linked.
“Assisting our farmers goes hand-in-hand with helping our homeless friends. If we don’t unite to help our farmers they, too, face becoming homeless,” she said.
Ms Fleming’s charitable work was recently recognised when she was named as one of five finalists in the Ms Australia International pageant.
The winner will be announced in February.
It’s her first venture into the pageantry world, and she’s loving it.
“I feel I’ve found my place, my people,” she said.
“It is the perfect fit for me. It is a family I am proud to be a part of. Everyone is genuine and they inspire and empower each other to be the best self you can be.”
Ms Fleming is now seeking sponsors.
She also has a few events planned, including a dinner night for the homeless on October 31 in which donations of $15 will buy a wood-fired pizza for a homeless person.
“Feed your soul by feeding a homeless friend pizza,” she said.
To get involved, or to learn more, visit internationalpageants.com.au, email mflemingmsausfinalist@hotmail.com, or visit the ‘Michelle Fleming Ms Australia International national finalist’ page on Facebook.
