A Christmas Miracle

How Robyn Verral and Harvesting Potential Transformed a Family’s Holiday.

“Three more kids just arrived for Xmas making it seven to feed and one needs an operation”

It started with a phone call. Robyn Verral, founder of Harvesting Potential and Winner of the CEO Category of the Gender Equity Awards, picked up the line to hear the voice of a First Nations woman she had met over six years ago. The woman, living 200 kilometers outside of Adelaide, had been hesitant to ask for help back then, even using her bus money to scrape together meals for her children. Robyn had stepped in at that time, providing food and direct support when no one else could.

This time, the plea was urgent and heartfelt. The woman’s family had grown unexpectedly—three more grandchildren had been left in her care, bringing the total to seven children. One child needed surgery, a cost the woman was prepared to cover by emptying her savings, but that left nothing for food, school supplies, or even a simple Christmas celebration. Her wish was modest yet heart-wrenching: a Christmas where the kids could have bikes to get to school, tablets for schoolwork, and enough food to share together.

Robyn didn’t hesitate. She got to work.

Harnessing the Power of Community

Robyn’s first call was to Foodbank, where she was able to secure affordable groceries for the family.

“I do it because I can.. and if I don’t who will?”

Then, she was offered repurposed tablets—perfect for schoolwork—but none of them had power cords. Robyn reached out to her network of supporters, and within days, donations came pouring in to cover the cost of power cords and more groceries.

The bikes proved to be a bigger challenge. Robyn tapped into her connections and discovered the Blackwood Bike Shed, a community initiative that refurbishes discarded bikes. With the help of the Bike Shed team, she sourced seven bikes, one for each child. For helmets, she used some of the donated funds to ensure the kids could ride safely.

A Christmas to Remember

On Christmas Eve, Robyn loaded her car with seven bikes, groceries, and tablets, making the long 200-kilometer journey to deliver the gifts. Together with the grandmother, they hid the bikes in a dog’s special run next door, ensuring the children wouldn’t see them.

When Christmas morning arrived, the children awoke to the surprise of their lives. The joy and excitement in their eyes were the only thanks Robyn needed. Seven children, who had been through so much, finally experienced a moment of pure happiness—a Christmas filled with love, generosity, and hope.

Robyn’s Philosophy: Changing Lives

Changing lives is what Robyn does. She believes that we need to ensure basic survival needs are met to enable people to meet their potential, and this she tries to do. “People fundamentally need food,” she says.

When asked why she does this, Robyn answered simply, “I do it because I can.” Reflecting on her past as a single mum, she recalled getting ahead only because she asked for help. Some people supported her, but many didn’t. She identifies deeply with the struggles of those she helps. “If I don’t, who will?” she says. “It’s all about community, and if we don’t have community, we don’t have anything.”

This Christmas, let us all be inspired by Robyn’s example. Together, we can create miracles for those who need them most.

About Harvesting Potential

This story is just one example of the incredible work Robyn Verral and Harvesting Potential do year-round. The charity focuses on addressing food insecurity, supporting First Nations communities, and creating opportunities for those in need. Robyn’s unwavering commitment to making a difference, even in the most challenging circumstances, showcases the power of compassion and community.