Based on the idea of tapping into the kindness of everyday Kiwis, Good Bitches Baking has cultivated a network of people who want to reach out to anyone in their community who might be going through a rough time. They do that, by baking them a delicious treat. Good Bitches Baking is about encouraging kindness and support and its widespread impact is a testament to the fact that sometimes, it’s the smallest acts that can make the biggest difference.
The background
The initial idea for Good Bitches Baking came about when Founders Nic Murray and Marie Fitzpatrick were discussing the problems of the world, and decided that the simplest and most effective way they could help was by simply showing people that they cared. It was from this very human idea that Good Bitches Baking grew, now a charity on a mission to spread sweetness to those who need it most. And the impact has been significant, mostly for the way it has made people stop and consider how just showing a moment of care for someone else can be truly transformative.
Who Are They
Good Bitches Baking is a charity that has volunteers working for it in 29 chapters across New Zealand. The chapters build a roster that matches volunteer bakers with drivers and recipient organisations working with those having a tough time. It’s up to those organisations to use the baking in the way that best meets the needs of their clients and communities. These include boarding houses, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, food banks, hospital wards, hospices, support and advocacy groups, refuges, and so much more. The core values of Good Bitches Baking are as follows: Kindness is redemptive to everyone involved, everyone deserves to receive kindness and everyone can benefit from the opportunity to be kind. Essentially, it is a charity on a mission to make Aotearoa the kindest place on Earth.
The Impact
Since launching in 2014, Good Bitches Baking has facilitated over 2,800 volunteers to deliver more than 1,000,000 moments of kindness across New Zealand with nearly 85,000 boxes of treats for people having a tough time. Feedback from volunteers and recipients alike has indicated how a simple act of kindness has made them feel connected to their community, cared about and valued, and has opened crucial conversations about what others may be going through.
How To Get Involved
If you want to volunteer, you can bake or deliver baking, or both. Typically you will be rostered on to bake twice a month and/or deliver once a month. Bakers need to supply their own ingredients, while the charity will provide a cake box and ingredients flyers, and drivers will need to have their own car. Otherwise, donations to support the ongoing baking efforts are welcome and can be made through the Good Bitches Baking website.
