A bag of groceries. A friendly face. Someone who remembers your name. Sometimes, the things that make the biggest difference happen right around the corner.
Across our local community, DIVA Charity is helping more than 150 residents and families through food relief, everyday essentials and opportunities to connect.
Behind it is founder Christina Iskandar, a dedicated network of volunteers and supporters who believe looking after your neighbours can start with something simple. Whether you’re in Maroubra, Coogee, Randwick, Matraville, Bondi or elsewhere across Sydney’s eastern and south eastern suburbs, there are plenty of ways to lend a hand. 💗
LOCAL HEART. HELPING HANDS.
Good food. A warm welcome. A community that shows up for each other.
Meet the heart behind DIVA
Christina’s charity journey began in Bali in 2008, where DIVA also supports three English schools. Closer to home, that same commitment has grown into food rescue, practical assistance and community programs for people facing hardship or isolation.
Christina saw families, seniors and individuals struggling quietly, often without knowing where to turn. DIVA’s response brings together food relief, clothing support, inclusive activities and a warm welcome.
DIVA brings together people with a heart for helping others. Its much loved ambassador, Aunty Barbara Simms Keeley, is a proud Bidjigal and Wadi Wadi woman and a deeply respected Elder in our community. Aunty Barb is nothing short of a community angel. 💗
Christina’s work has also attracted support from Aden Perry, founder of Our Choice Disability. Another big heart with a passion for inclusion and connection, Aden shares that desire to help people feel supported and included.
Good food, going where it’s needed 🛒
Through its food rescue partnership with Aldi, DIVA collects quality surplus food and gets it back into the community through its Blessing Pantry, food distributions, local schools, families and partner organisations.
It means less food going to waste and more support on local tables. For someone trying to stretch the weekly grocery budget, those essentials can make a real difference.
Christina says demand is growing among pensioners, single parents, families and working people. Many are asking for assistance for the first time as everyday expenses become harder to manage.
Need a helping hand?
💗 DIVA Blessing Pantry
📍 Hope Uniting Church
829 Anzac Parade, Maroubra
📅 Second and fourth Tuesday of every month
⏰ 11am
Available to registered community members experiencing financial hardship. Contact DIVA to ask about registration and the support available to you.
CONTACT DIVAThe former Blessing Table at Lexington Place has also relocated to Hope Uniting Church. Access to bathrooms and shelter provides a more comfortable setting for people receiving assistance.
Got a little extra to give? 💗
You don’t need a grand gesture to get involved. Useful everyday donations are a good place to start:
🥫 Stock the pantry: non-perishable food.
🧴 Cover the essentials: toiletries and personal care products.
🍎 Share good food: fresh food and quality surplus produce.
🧣 Support seasonal appeals: blankets and winter essentials when requested.
Contact DIVA before dropping donations off to find out what is needed and arrange a suitable handover.
Calling our local businesses 📣
Run a café, shop, salon, studio or local service? Your business could help through its products, skills, space or a regular contribution.
Small business. Big community heart.
- Sponsor a community program.
- Donate food, products or professional services.
- Become a collection point in partnership with DIVA.
- Support a fundraising event.
- Arrange regular financial or in-kind contributions.
A workplace collection or an ongoing partnership could be a practical way to bring your team and customers into the effort. Get in touch with DIVA to work out what would be most useful.
More than groceries
DIVA’s work also includes Sisterhood events, Walking Divas, inclusive activities and community connection programs. Having somewhere to belong matters, too.
Individuals can ask about volunteering, attend community activities or help spread the word. Passing on DIVA’s details could connect someone with support they didn’t know was available.
For Christina, dignity and connection sit alongside practical help. Needing assistance can happen to anyone, including people who have spent years looking after others.
Follow @divacharityinc on Instagram for community updates, donation appeals and more of the people behind DIVA’s work.
A few pantry essentials, a little time or an ongoing business partnership. It starts with reaching out. There’s room for helping hands from right across our neighbourhoods.
Let’s show DIVA some local love 💗
Want to donate, volunteer or get your business involved? Need support yourself? Contact Christina and the DIVA team.
Help keep good food on local tables and support within reach.
💗 DONATE TO DIVA CONTACT DIVA EXPLORE DIVA’S WORKImages supplied by DIVA Charity.
