Robyn B’s Story

I am a retired psychologist. In one of my first roles as a counsellor, I worked in the Department of Community Services. I saw firsthand how difficult life was for many people in our society, across all socio-economic levels. I saw how easy it was to go from safe and comfortable to shattered and desperate.  

I also understood this from my own background. My father was a compulsive gambler, and my mother suffered from a debilitating mental illness. As a family of six we often slept in the car.  

When I was a young counsellor, Wayside became a place where I could refer clients who needed tender loving care. I always knew that they would be well cared for, and I was impressed by their willingness to assist everyone, in whatever way they could. Early on I did a little voluntary work delivering Christmas parcels, and as soon as I was earning a reasonable wage, I started donating on a regular basis.  

During the last couple of years, I have been trying to prepare for my death. Not because I am dying, but because I know that I will die sooner rather than later. I have therefore thought a lot about my Will. I have looked around me and realised that my loved ones are safe and comfortable. So, my Will firstly takes care of my husband, and then when he dies the bulk of my estate will go to Wayside. This has not been a difficult decision. I feel certain that Wayside will go on lovingly caring for people long after I am gone. It is a comforting thought that I might be able to go on helping. 

To others who might be considering a gift in their Will to Wayside I would encourage them to get to know Wayside firsthand – volunteer perhaps or attend a function there. See and hear about the extraordinary benefits the community receives from the wonderful staff. See what ‘love over hate’ really means in practice. And then think about whether you might be able to assist Wayside to do even more, for years to come. 

I first discovered Wayside almost 20 years ago when I was looking for something purposeful to do on Christmas Day.  I signed up as a volunteer and had my best Christmas.  I love Wayside’s philosophy of ‘no us and them’; of ’love over hate’; and of acceptance of all with no judgement.  That philosophy is borne out not just on Christmas Day when up to 800 people from all walks of life turn up for a 3-course festive lunch, but on every day of the year. 

I love my weekly rummage at Wayside’s Op Shop and bagging a bargain – where I find the best brands at the best prices.  My photo was taken at Chichibu Pink Moss Park in Japan with me wearing my coordinating “pink” Wayside Op Shop dress!  I got more ‘likes’ for the pink dress than I did for the pink moss!   

Making a donation in my Will to Wayside was an easy decision for me having seen firsthand the work that Wayside does every day of the year.  Grass roots Christianity in action and at its finest.