Focus on a funder: Lauren Sheargold
Lauren Sheargold has been a supporter of The Footpath Library since 2020 through the Sheargold Foundation, providing much-needed funds for our mobile library programs and The Hub in Sydney, and we are excited to welcome Lauren to the Board of The Footpath Library. We recently chatted with Lauren, for a quick Q&A session.
Tell us about the Sheargold Foundation, and what your philanthropic purpose is with The Foundation?
More than a decade ago, the Sheargold Foundation was established with a deep-seated commitment to give back to our community. Our philanthropic purpose revolves around four pillars: Knowledge, Wellbeing, Integrity, and creating the future. We firmly believe in supporting the most vulnerable in our society, and that education and the building of knowledge are so important and fundamental to creating lasting and meaningful impact.
How did you find out about The Footpath Library? What drew you to support The Footpath Library?
We have proudly been supporters of The Footpath Library for many years. I believe the first time I heard about The Footpath Library was through meeting the (former) Chair, Penny Mapp, at a philanthropic event. I remember Penny talking, with such passion, about the organisation she was involved with the important work The Footpath Library was doing by providing books and reading glasses to those living rough, coupled with a sense of connection and community. It immediately caught my attention, and I was keen to learn more. I met with Sarah soon after, and the rest is history.
You recently visited our mobile library in Martin Place - what do you see are the benefits of funders going to see programs first-hand? How did you feel after visiting the mobile library?
I have always been a strong believer in getting involved and seeing the programs we support first-hand. My visits to the mobile library in Martin Place (Sydney) only reinforce this belief even more. During my most recent visit, I had the privilege of having meaningful and interesting conversations with those who attended the service. Their stories, perspectives, and resilience were truly humbling and I left the visit feeling lucky to have had the opportunity to have met such incredible human beings and to have heard their life stories.
What are your thoughts on reading for wellbeing, and the mobile library as an opportunity for people experiencing homelessness to get access to free, quality reading materials and reading glasses?
Access to reading is a fundamental right, and I believe it's crucial for wellbeing. By providing free, quality books and reading glasses, the mobile libraries are providing a powerful means of escape, a tool for knowledge-building, and a source of pride in ownership. It's more than books; it's empowerment.
"I'm honoured to join the Board of The Footpath Library and contribute to an organisation that embodies the values I hold dear. With my experience and background in both the philanthropic and mental health spaces, I'm motivated by the opportunity to contribute strategically to the growth and impact of The Footpath Library in our community. I believe in bringing others on the journey, showing more people how incredible The Footpath Library is and how providing those experiencing homelessness with access to reading and learning not only enhances individual wellbeing but also helps to create positive change in our society as a whole."
We welcome Lauren to the Board and extend out thanks to the Sheargold Foundation for supporting The Footpath Library.