Who Gives: The Dream Worker

Who

Deb Smith, 43

Where

The Gold Coast, Queensland

What

In 2005, Deb and a friend established Dream Worker, a not-for-profit organisation committed to raising funds and donations-in-kind for people in desperate need.

When

40 – 60 hours a week

Why

When Deb moved to the Gold Coast from Adelaide she was shocked. She found that amongst all the luxury, there is so much need on the Gold Coast – so many homicides, suicides, cases of abuse and so many living without shelter. “I was chatting with a friend about how lucky we feel and how important it is to give back to the community. That was the seed, and from there, Dream Workers grew.”

Deb has a background in paediatric nursing but she now draws on her organisational skills and her ability to motivate others into action. Last year, a young girl called Jessica suffered from meningococcal, which resulted in total paralysis. Deb and the team of volunteers at Dream Workers worked to organise the donation of $100,000 worth of renovations to Jessica’s parents’ home. They also raised the funds to purchase $50,000 worth of necessary equipment. Because of their efforts, before Christmas, Jessica was released from hospital and returned to her parents’ care.

Now Deb is campaigning for Nicole. Last year, Nicole (29), who suffers from Crohn’s disease, went into hospital for bowel surgery. Due to complications, Nicole has been left with a severe brain injury. She now requires 24/7 care - she can’t eat unaided, speak or walk. It is believed that she only has slight vision in one eye. She came home from hospital on Australia Day and is now being cared for by her parents. Dream Workers is raising funds for a wheelchair and is seeking therapists to assist in her treatment.

“A lot of businesses are coming on board and sponsoring our projects regularly. We have 12 committed volunteers, who all work part time and who put in as many voluntary hours as possible - some are friends, others are hearing about us and wanting to help,” said Deb.

So far Dream Workers has raised $160,000 in cash for various causes and much more more in kind. “I hear it said that people on the Gold Coast are shallow and uncaring. I haven’t found that at all. Everyone I have approached through Dream Workers has come on board.”

Deb says she is driven by seeing first-hand the power that the community has to make a difference.

If you live on the Gold Coast and have any experience in physiology or physiotherapy, all offers of help FOR Nicole will be well received.

GIVE TO DREAM WORKERS