Lainey helps local people and small organisations turn ideas into real community projects - connecting people, removing barriers, and helping good ideas take off. Through her work she often sees how loneliness affects older members of the community, many of whom quietly rely on the kindness of others in their daily lives.

With $500, Lainey will host a “Portraits of Kindness” session for elders in her community. In a relaxed, sip-and-sketch style gathering, participants will paint a portrait of someone who has shown them love or support - perhaps a neighbour who checks in, a grandchild who visits, a nurse who cared for them, or staff from a local care home.

During the session, elders will share the stories behind their chosen person while enjoying refreshments and creating their artwork. The finished portrait will then be gifted to the person who inspired it - a heartfelt and deeply personal thank you that money could never buy.

The funding will cover art materials and refreshments, helping create a warm, creative space where gratitude, storytelling and connection can flourish.