Giving back
Contributing to our world
Building human connection
As humans we rely on connection to others to survive, both physically and emotionally. The more we meaningfully connect with others, the more we create an inclusive, compassionate world for everyone. This is the guiding principle that drives Danielle’s work on a local and global scale.
Friends of Mithra
When Danielle was 18, she went on a trip to India and Nepal that changed her life forever.
With a group of friends, Danielle visited a place in Chennai called Mithra.
Mithra is a rehabilitation centre for children and young adults who are differently abled living in poverty. Started by Sister Mary Theodore, an Australian, in 1977, Mithra offers care, support, education, and health services to children and adults that otherwise would have heartbreakingly limited options in life.
Yet despite the significant challenges these kids were facing, it was at Mithra that Danielle met some of the happiest people in the world. Their ability to be fully present, connected, and to love each other moved her deeply. The staff were equally inspiring.
Danielle knew something very special was happening there. And she decided that she would do everything she could to support this place and keep it open.
Since its beginnings in 1977, Mithra has come such a long way. Danielle, and her fellow founding committee members – Helen Mahoney OAM, Brother Rob Callen, Nick Lux, Ben McDonald and Shane O’Brien – have worked with some incredible people to set up Friends of Mithra as an official charity in Australia. Today, Danielle remains on the board and is also involved in raising awareness and funding for the charity.
Her kids love to get involved in raising money for Friends of Mithra too through fun initiatives and events. Together they’re building a global community of people who can all truly call themselves “Friends of Mithra”.
A place to call home
Many of the children at Mithra live on the grounds, as they would otherwise have no access to the support services they need and require more help than their parents are able to give them.
Many develop independent living skills needed to return home and find work in their local village. Others with more severe disabilities stay on under the care of volunteers. Either way, Mithra is a place to call home for children that might otherwise end up in desolate situations.
The spirit of Mithra
The name Mithra is an ancient Sanskrit word meaning friendship. And it’s in the spirit of friendship that Mithra operates. In a country without a great deal of government funding for disability, Mithra is run by the goodwill of locals and the generosity of international benefactors.
One day Mithra aims to be fully self-sufficient, yet that day is still coming and they rely on the generosity and kindness of others.
Current projects
There are some exciting plans underway for developing the Mithra site’s buildings to be better suited for the area’s regular monsoons and floods, as well as for giving the children of Mithra more access to better education and support.
Current projects include a new Health Centre for allied health services that will include physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy, dental care and even a doctor’s surgery. An assisted living centre is also planned for children that are living with severe disabilities and require more constant care.
How to get involved
There are many ways to help support this charity and become a Friend of Mithra yourself. Whether you want to donate money, join one of our fundraising events, or visit Mithra and donate your time and service directly, we would love your help.
Find out more about our ways to get involved with Friends of Mithra and support this extraordinary place at Friends of Mithra’s website here.
Adventure All Stars
The Friends of Mithra team are always looking for ways to spread the word about Mithra and raise awareness about the charity. So, when the opportunity to join Adventure All Stars came around, they jumped at the chance to participate.
Adventure All Stars is a philanthropic television show where cast members raise money for a charitable cause and are rewarded with a six-day adventure holiday. Viewers get to experience incredible locations through the eyes of an engaging and socially conscious cast.
The show is all about real people connecting with emotional experiences. Which is something that Danielle has made her life’s work both professionally in her role as a clinical psychologist, and also personally through her work with Friends of Mithra.
Small ripples become big waves
Since its inception in 2005, Adventure All Stars has raised over $9 million for registered ACNC charities, has been broadcast in 25 countries, and has grown a global viewership of nearly 100 million people. News just in: Adventure All Stars will be filming four ‘Legends’ episodes overseas in early 2023. Danielle is excited to be taking part and will be fundraising again for Friends of Mithra.
Where to watch the show
The most recent TV series of Adventure All Stars was broadcast each weekend on Seven Network’s 7TWO (Australia), across New Zealand (TVNZ 1) and can currently be viewed on 7Plus.
Danielle participated in Season 2 and is due to air around September 2022. So, keep an eye out for it! You can watch the trailer for Season 2 here: https://vimeo.com/713906115
