This month we would like to highlight Erika La Budda – our first QCWA supporter member and Country Kitchens facilitator. Here are a few words from Erika about her time as a facilitator:
My name is Erika and I have been a QCWA Country Kitchens facilitator for just over 6 months. Becoming a member of the QCWA has been a romantic dream of mine since the first time I attended an event where the ladies were serving the most incredible lemon curd I had ever tasted! I was in love with the brand, the mission and the impact the woman had on the community.
My profession is in an industry that gives back to the community and touches lives on a significant level. Having a small amount of time between work and university to spend volunteering, I joined the QCWA as a supporter member, with the intention of participating in any events that resonated with me. I was monumentally delighted to learn there was a recent policy change and I was now able to begin the Country Kitchens facilitator training as a supporter member. Nutrition literacy is fundamental in maintaining a sustainable life, both personally and communally.
Shortly after completing my facilitator training, I was gifted the opportunity to help facilitate a series of
four cooking workshops in collaboration with the Red Rose Foundation. The Red Rose Foundation is
an organisation which supports vulnerable woman at a time most poignant and challenging. I had the
chance to share the importance of nutrition, assisting with the understanding of food labels and marketing strategies, enabling smart and healthy choices. The participants engaged in cooking classes and brainstorming, but also shared common values, ideas and built support networks.
Outside of the QCWA, I am studying Psychological Science at university and am half way through my degree. This is my primary focus and requires a large amount of my time. I am also a bee keeper. This hobby now requires more time due to the sad news of the Verona mite infiltrating our country. The hives must be monitored more frequently to mitigate the potential catastrophic threat. I am also about to start working with an incredible non for profit organisation called Beddown. The wonderful program founded by Norman McGillivray, converts empty car parks into accommodation for those in our community living rough. And, a new female only facility is almost in operation, and this is where my energy will be
applied.
If you or someone you know is keen to work with the QCWA Country Kitchens program, we are always looking to increase our volunteer workforce. To learn all about what we do, please get in touch with the team on 0417 539 663, or head to our website: qcwacountrykitchens.com.au
