One Volunteer's Street Appeal Story
17th of June, 2026
Kat* was one of over 200 volunteers for Aviva's Annual Street Appeal 2026 last month, which raised nearly $26,000 in bucket donations and another $22,000 in online donations for Aviva family violence and sexual violence services. Kat had one of the most successful collections of the Appeal raising hundreds of dollars in her shift.
She had this to say about her experience:
“I was so thrilled to have the opportunity to help raise funds for a cause very close to my heart. I was a little nervous as I had never done this before, yet I went in with so much passion and enthusiasm you couldn’t wipe the smile off of my face (my cheeks hurt at times!).
I had no expectations of the money I would raise. I purely went in there to put my best foot forward and do what I could. I greeted almost everyone and enjoyed conversations around the Annual Street Appeal and Aviva (what it is and how they help, etc). Many were happy to talk and go out of their way to withdraw cash from the nearby atm, donate online if they couldn’t do cash or offer anything they had left in their wallets whether that was $2 or $50.
“I was absolutely blown away myself and so grateful for these beautiful people as the cost of living is high and so many people still give generously.
“I have a long history of being in abusive relationships and am extremely lucky to have broken the cycle. I was proud to stand there as the woman I am today and hoped to help others in the thick of it the best I could.
I never personally went through Aviva or woman’s refuge as for many years I held shame, self-blame and the list goes on. I was lucky enough to one day have been blessed with a beautiful ACC sensitive claims counsellor and an outstanding holistic life coach who helped me to turn my life around. However I am all for paying it forward and backing Aviva and the wonderful human beings who are brave enough to utilise the support felt like the right move for me. I hope to be able to do more for you in the future.
“Thank you so much for the beautiful experience and the healing that it actually offered for me too!”
Even just a couple hours of time can make a huge impact for those living with violence. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Annual Street Appeal this year, whether it was holding a bucket, dropping your coins in, or donating online. You've made a difference!
*Name changed for privacy.