Sweet charity

Over the many years that I’ve worked on stage, working with charities has gone hand-in-hand. Some of the charity work I’ve done has been the most rewarding of my whole career. So how do you choose a charity to work with? Is it just a matter of: yep, that one will do?

When I’m approached to work for a charity, I try to do a little research first, just to see if they match with what I believe in.

I do regular talks at ACON for the Fun and Esteem or Start Making Sense groups. Growing up in the country, things would have made a little more sense if I had something like this available to me. The focus is on young gays, who are either just coming out or just moved to the city, not only giving them information but also an opportunity to meet others in the same boat.

I also like working with the Luncheon Club; making sure food is available to those who need it most seems to be the most natural and human thing to do – everyone is aware of my love affair with food. Speaking of which, another organisation

I enjoy helping out is the AIDS Trust Food and Wine Fair; I was introduced to them by DIVA legend Ms Claire De Lune. Claire has worked with the AIDS Trust for years, and as she has taken more of an organisational role, I have filled her shoes as host. Not only is it a great day to raise money for a great cause, but you also get to watch some of the best acts in Sydney. Food and Wine Fair is on this Saturday, October 30. I will be sharing the stage with Maria Venuti, Barry Crocker, Cosima De Vito and Dragon.

Working with a charity is a rewarding and sometimes life changing experience, and whom you work with is up to you. You will be surprised how good you feel after giving to others.