By Georgia FreeThursday 23 May 2024Hope DriveRelationshipsReading Time: 3 minutes
Losing your mum is hard at any age, but going through that as a young person is a unique form of grief and pain. And it’s one that Nicole Hurley knows all too well.
Key points
- “Selfishly, I started volunteering because I wanted to connect with other people [who had lost their mums],” Nicole told Hope Drive.
- Nicole encourages all Australians to consider what they can do in their own lives to give back.
- Hear the full conversation in the listener above.
Nicole is a volunteer for Motherless Daughters Australia – a not-for-profit which connects and supports women and girls who have lost their mums. She joined Hope Drive for National Volunteer Week to share more.
Chance encounter on LinkedIn
Nicole had worked in a corporate role for more than two decades, when she took some time away after her son was diagnosed with autism. However, she found herself itching to continue to use her skills without the commitment of full-time work.
While scrolling through LinkedIn, Nicole came across a post about Motherless Daughters Australia and connected with the CEO, Danielle, offering her skills and expertise.
“Selfishly, I started volunteering because I wanted to connect with other people [who had lost their mums],” Nicole told Hope Drive.
Not only did Nicole have decades of corporate experience, but she had lost her own mum a few years prior. Since none of Nicole’s friends had lost their own mums, it was a journey that she often walked alone. But not for long.
Nicole lost her mum at a young age. Now she helps other women and girls navigate life without their mum.
A friendly face in grief
Nicole was soon an ambassador for Motherless Daughters Australia – who help women and girls navigate life without their mum. They run face to face events, private online communities, awareness programs and research.
Nicole has now been the host of a pre-Mother’s Day high tea in Sydney, for six years – as well as helping manage a range of other community events.
“Selfishly, I started volunteering because I wanted to connect with other people [who had lost their mums],” Nicole told Hope Drive.
“But the connections that I’ve made over the last six years are so rich…that’s where I feel that community impact in not only my life, but other people’s lives.”
“I’m a compassionate person, which is what you want in a grief organisation when you run these types of events.
“If I can be that comfort or smile when you come into a grief event, that eases anyone’s nerves or fears, that’s where I feel that tangible difference in my life.”
Encouragement for others
This National Volunteering Week, Nicole encourages all Australians to consider what they can do in their own lives to give back.
Nicole encourages all Australians to consider what they can do in their own lives to give back.
“Volunteering is such a great way that you can contribute to a cause that you care about,” Nicole said.
“It really connects you with others that share your values and want to make a difference.
“There’s 365 days in a year.
“Giving one or two days in a year isn’t that much in the grand scheme of things, so give it a go.”
Listen to Nicole’s full interview in the player above.
For more information and resources, visit the Motherless Daughters Australia website.
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