CHARITY queen Michelle Fleming refers to two movie characters played by actress Sandra Bullock to describe what it's like to be involved in the Australian International Pageant.
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When it comes to the pageant side of things - facing the judging panel, the fashion and high heels - Ms Fleming said she felt like the tomboyish detective Gracie Hart, played by Bullock in the film Miss Congeniality.
"I had to learn how to walk in high heels," the proud country girl said.
But when it comes to the charity side of things, Ms Fleming said she had "the heart and determination" of Bullock's character Leigh Anne Tuohy, the foster mum to Michael "Big Mike" Oher, in the film The Blind Side.
Last year, Ms Fleming was crowned 2019 Ms Australia International and Charity Queen of the Year; and last week she was crowned Goodwill Australia International Ambassador for 2020.
The titles are, in part, recognition of her extraordinary charity work for homeless people and drought-stricken farmers.
Ms Fleming said personal experiences had shaped her passion for the two causes.
In 2006, she experienced homelessness after suffering a workplace accident which she said left her with a traumatic brain injury and epilepsy.
And her respect for farmers stems from seeing her grandparents, David and Judith Jones, run farms in Murrurundi and Quaama, in rural NSW.
"A lot of my childhood memories are of Pop and Grandma. That's where my love of the land comes from," she said.
"I feel that our farmers are the backbone of Australia, so we need to support them. I think city folk, in particular, take it for granted to have milk on the table and meat in the freezer."
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Over the last 12 months Ms Fleming has organised a long list of projects to support both of her causes. (Over several years she estimated she'd initiated "hundreds" of projects.)
For farmers, these projects have included 'Ladies on the Land', a drive to collect and deliver cosmetics to farming families; a water drive for Murrurundi; and 'No one should miss out because of the Drought', to help dress rural kids for their school formals.
For homeless people, the projects have included a day out at Sydney's Luna Park for homeless mums and children escaping domestic violence; the 'All you can eat Homeless Feed', a day out at an all-you-can-eat restaurant for the homeless; and 'Share What You Can', a canned food drive for Coast Shelter.
People impacted by the recent bushfires haven't escaped Ms Fleming's eye, either.
She recently organised 'Backpacks Of Hope', a collection of donated stationery items for children affected by the fires in Batemans Bay; and 'Gatorade For Our Fire Brigade' a collection of about 170 bottles "plus other goodies" for firefighters.
So how does she do it?
Essentially, she identifies a need, pitches a solution, and "puts it out there" on Facebook.
"I create a project and then I launch it. I put everything up on Facebook and whoever wants to help comes forward to help," she said.
Sounds simple enough. Until you start to think about the logistics, planning, and problem solving involved.
And for a single mum of three children, who juggles her charity endeavours with her paid work as a community care worker/nurse, it's an exhausting responsibility.
"Good time management, insomnia and plenty of support," were the keys to getting it done, she said.
"My passion motivates me to keep on going. Helping others is good for my soul."
But she conceded it was not always the best choice for her health.
"The one area that does suffer is self care. I give so much of myself to others I forget to gift myself."
And as for charity fatigue among the public, Ms Fleming hasn't encountered it yet.
"But I don't ask for money. Everything that I request is what people have already got in their homes."
It's not all about money, she said. "You can restore hope and lives by giving of your heart and time."
Ms Fleming encouraged other local women to follow her lead and get involved in the Australian International Pageant.
"My Australian International journey has enriched my life. I've gained a unique sense of purpose from advocating for my platforms," she said.
"I want to inspire women to join our system so they too can surround themselves with people who are dedicated to making a positive difference in the world."
Ms Fleming said she was fortunate to live "in such a caring and generous community that has a deep understanding of the value of support."
- Visit internationalpageants.com.au for details.
