Being new to the sector I’ve also really loved the opportunity to learn about fundraising in a feminist way. We use material aid as a form of empowerment.
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Alyssan (pronounced Ah-listen) and I am the Donor Support Officer at WAGEC. I’m also an actor and voice over artist. It’s a good combination as it allows me to bring my passion for people and storytelling together in one role.
In my role I take care of everyone who is donating something to WAGEC. Whether it be helping people to make a monetary donation or just as important, an in-kind donation of food, clothes furniture- you name it!
What brought you to WAGEC?
As I mentioned I trained as an actor and have worked professionally on and off- as is the nature of the job I also worked in the Arts in various roles which led me to philanthropy. I worked with the Australian Ballet and Sydney Festival finding funding, grants and donors to help fund productions. During COVID I realised I would love to be able to use my skills to help get that funding for charities that are seeing an uptake in requests due to the pandemic. A little bit of googling led me to WAGEC and then not very long later this role came up!
What was your first impression of WAGEC?
My first impression was of an incredible group of strong, inspiring and capable women!
The first time I walked through the doors I met one of our incredible Case Managers Nat and had the most thought-provoking conversation I’d had in a long while. I knew I was in the right place.
What’s your favourite part of your work?
My favourite part of the role is when what seems like a very niche request can be found and delivered to a woman or family. Also, when generous donors donate things like gifts for the women and they get a surprise treat – that’s special. Seeing the generosity and willingness of people to help is certainly something that is a perk of my job!
Being new to the sector I’ve also really loved the opportunity to learn about fundraising in a feminist way. We use material aid as a form of empowerment. When the women can choose what they need for themselves and their children instead of being given what someone else thinks they need, it’s an opportunity to build confidence and independence.
When donating to WAGEC we accept new (and sometimes near new) items. This means that the item is reliable and will last a while which empowers the receiver and helps restore dignity.
Who is someone or something that inspires you every day?
Is it too general to just say humans inspire me? They really do.
I am also inspired frequently by the generosity of people and the willingness to assemble what we have asked for or to offer their time to help at the drop of a hat.
