Since 2012, Malou has been sending boxes of books, clothing, toys and food items to children with the help of her second job at the Relaxing Cafe, and businesses, and individuals in Moree.

Centacare’s Lisa Moore had heard about Malou’s self-funded mission to assist the less fortunate and decided to gather the help of her fellow employees and her children.

“I was talking to Malou at the coffee shop and she was telling me all about it and I thought, I’d love to be part of it so my girls started gathering all their toys, books and clothes they no longer need; they were very excited to help out as well,” she said.

Fellow staff members also scrounged around their homes to find items they could donate.

Malou roughly sends 40-50 boxes per year full of items for the children, each box costs $150 for postage and is paid for out of her own pocket.

“This is why I work a second job, to be able to pay the postage. I am lucky that the Relaxing Cafe donates our shared tips to my project and Rotary-on-Gwydir also sponsors four boxes each year,” she said.

Centacare staff have also agreed to pay for half the postage to ensure their items arrive just in time for Christmas.

Malou said she was very lucky to have so much support from local businesses and individuals.

“Pitman Deakin have donated so much, as well as Assefs and even community members will give items and $50 donations to me. It is a beautiful thing and I always ask the school teachers to document on Facebook when they receive their packages so I can show it to people here in Moree,” Mrs Deakin said.

Malou always packs spaghetti into the boxes as it is viewed as a luxury meal in the Philippines and a little goes a long way.

“The packets here cost 65 cents and can feed up to five children. People in the Philippines are only paid around $300 Australian dollars a month so some foods are very expensive for them,” she said.

Malou first started assisting six public schools around five years ago, she now regularly visits and sends boxes to 35 schools in the most remote locations, prone to flooding and natural disasters.

“Some of the children have never had toys, books and their spirits instantly lift once they see their new items. Many of them wont receive presents for Christmas so to be able to send them some gifts will be very special.”

Her passion grows as images are uploaded to Facebook of students with their new items and happy faces.

“It is time consuming and costs me money but it is nice to know I am making a difference and seeing their smiles makes it all worth it,” she said.

If you would like to assist Malou’s self-funded mission, phone Pitman Deakin on 6752 8487.