Jenny Carter’s warm heart brings charity into spotlight on home soil

FIVE years ago, Waverton mum Jenny Carter went to the Philippines to work in orphanages and build houses for the underprivileged.

Pride of Australia nominee Jenny Carter. Jenny Carter has been nominated for community spirit and is pictured at Redfern where she helps feed the homeless and disadvantaged.

FIVE years ago, Waverton mum Jenny Carter went to the Philippines to work in orphanages and build houses for the underprivileged.

When she got home she realised there was just as much to do here in Sydney.

So she started helping Redfern’s Sharing of the Meal twice a week.

So began her love affair with helping those in need.

It’s definitely an eye-opener for the kids because a lot of these people we help have just gotten lost in the process. Some of them are highly educated.

She has been the co-ordinator ever since, reaching out to schools to help cook the food and finding volunteers to serve it.

Juggling that with raising two teenagers and full-time work as a real estate agent, the tireless fairy godmother has been nominated for The Daily Telegraph’s Pride of Australia Community Spirit Medal for her work, which she says isn’t work at all.

“It’s not just me, there are so many people who do so much,” she said.

“I have a lot of Year 11 and 12 kids who come and help during school holidays and I have schools who cook all the meals we serve as part of their curriculum as well as support from Oz Harvest.

“It’s definitely an eye-opener for the kids because a lot of these people we help have just gotten lost in the process. Some of them are highly educated.”

I am trying to build a skate park because there is nothing for the children to do so they get involved with drugs and break and entries and things.

Twice a year Ms Carter takes groups of students on a trip to Gulargambone, outside Dubbo, to help.

“It’s for the children here to see you don’t have to go overseas to help — there’s a lot you can do right here,” she said.

“We do clearing, weeding … bring food, visit patients in the local hospital, we cook for them and supply a lot to the local op shop.

“I am trying to build a skate park because there is nothing for the children to do so they get involved with drugs and things. We are also trying to start Kidfit programs for the children to get them into sport.”

Married for 34 years, she is also helping raise money for a single parent family whose 17-year-old has a brain tumour and requires $24,000 a year just for medication alone.

“Trying to take the weight off someone is all I’m doing,” she said.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE IN FIVE DAYS

THE Pride of Australia Medal is one of News Corp Australia’s most important community endeavours — recognising and rewarding our community’s most outstanding members.

In 10 years we have shared more than 19,000 stories and awarded more than 550 medals.

We’ve proudly championed leaders, campaigners, care-givers, volunteers, teachers and everyday Australians whose extraordinary actions have set them apart.

So, if someone has inspired you through their dedication, initiative, courage or charity — be it neighbour, family, friend or colleague — show them how much their actions matter and give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for the prestigious Pride of Australia Medal by July 29.

FOR FULL LIST OF CATEGORIES AND TO NOMINATE GO TO: DAILYTELEGRAPH.COM.AU/ PRIDEOFAUSTRALIA