Carmen Platt helps vulnerable families get back on their feet. As CEO and co-founder of social enterprise The Generous and The Grateful, Carmen works directly with frontline NGOs to connect essential bulky household items to those in need.
In 2016, as an advocate in Mums4Refugees, Carmen realised how many families could rebuild their lives more quickly with basics such as beds, whitegoods, a table and chairs, and a sofa. What began as Carmen and a few volunteers searching Facebook groups and other platforms, has turned into a team of more than 50 volunteers collecting donations from hotels and other generous businesses.
Under Carmen’s leadership, The Generous and The Grateful helps complete about 12 homes a week. Their recipients include those fleeing domestic violence or persecution, and those recovering from or at high risk of homelessness. She also helped people displaced from their homes in the devastating 2020 bushfires.
Carmen’s extraordinary compassion, dedication and care saw her named the 2021 Ryde Citizen of the Year.