Campbelltown resident Astrid Graham recognised by the Panadol Care Collective
Astrid Graham captured hearts across the Macarthur region six years ago with her entrepreneurial mission to help others at the tender age of 10. Find out what she is up to now.
Macarthur
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Campbelltown resident Astrid Graham has delivered more than 500 care packages across the region and dedicated countless hours to helping others, all before her 17th birthday.
It all started when one of her close friends did not get any Christmas presents, so the project Help Astrid Pay It Forward was born.
“I couldn’t imagine not getting a Christmas present,” she said.
“It changed the way I see the world, how I respond to the world and how I treat other people.”
Astrid’s mission warmed the hearts of residents across the region as she worked to ensure as many children as possible got Christmas presents.
Fast forward to today, the initiative is still thriving with more than 2500 followers on social media.
She has also been recognised by the Panadol Care Collective, a nationwide initiative recognising and rewarding remarkable individuals who have gone above and beyond to care for others in their community.
Astrid said while she may be “just a kid”, she had the power to help people who were struggling.
“This is what I want to do, this is what I love, and I feel like this is my purpose,” she said.
“When I was 10, I decided to expand it with my mum and do more projects because I realised not only could I help people in nursing homes who liked my art … I could do so much more.”
Using the money she raises through selling the handmade socks, Astrid would purchase items, create care packages and donate them to homeless shelters.
Over the last six years, she has delivered more than 500 care packages to local organisations, schools, and community services.
“I still go to nursing homes. I make back-to-school packs. I make Mother’s Day presents for women’s shelters,” Astrid said.
After nine years of dedicating so much of her spare time to helping others, Astrid has no intention of slowing down.
“I think if you love something, you will always find the time do it,” she said.
“It doesn’t feel like work. All the work is enjoyable for me, especially seeing the outcomes, and knowing I make a difference always motivates me.”
Astrid hopes to become a social worker one day and combine her love for art, dance and helping others in her career path.
The 16-year-old has just one message for the Macarthur community.
“Anyone can make a difference,” Astrid said.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are. You can just do something you love and really impact someone’s life.
“I want to make a difference … there’s hope that we can change the world for the better.”
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