Kathy Hilton's

The book 'The Giving Spirit' is for women.
All women who want to be moved, inspired, and motivated. For those who have the good fortune of knowing what their life's passion is, and those still searching. The stories shared in this book by the 20 wonderful women featured, exemplify The Giving Spirit.

These are women who are passionate, motivated and determined to make a difference in the lives of those around them.

But these women do more than just give. We have selected a chosen few from the book to speak with Femail, to find out just what it is that enlivens their giving spirit and how they feel to be featured in this wonderful book.

Hopefully after reading these enlivening and inspiring interviews, your Giving Spirit will be unleashed and together we can all work to provide a little more empowerment, freedom, love and hope to the world...

Our next "Giving Spirit" and wonderful woman featured is Kathy Hilton ....

Your full name: Kathy Hilton

Place of birth: Hungary

Organisation Featured in 'The Giving Spirit": Ardoch Youth Foundation

What was your first job? My first job at the age of 12 was serving customers in my families poultry shop in South Yarra

What does being featured in "The Giving Spirit" mean to you?

I feel honoured by being featured in "The Giving Spirit""Besides it being a great opportunity to profile and acknowledge the work of the hundreds of people who have contributed to the work ,and growth of Ardoch, it is also a great opportunity to inspire young people to follow their dreams. I am being recognized as a a role model, yet I am a human being just doing what I need to do.

If you were given 5 blank cheques, you could write any amount on them and give them to anyone, whom would you give them to?

I would use the first cheque to ensure that all our children could have their basic needs for food clothing housing health care and safety met.

The second cheque would be used to ensure that quality childcare and early Childhood learning opportunities be accessible to the most vulnerable in our community.

The third cheque would be used to reform our education system to ensure relevance and accessibility to all.

The fourth cheque would be spent on developing positive relationship programs including mentoring and parenting programs

The fifth cheque would be spent on developing worthwhile activities for young people including leadership programs recreational programs life-skills programs and work experience.

What is an ideal day for you?

An ideal day for me is "being" with my family. Taking time to "smell the flowers,"to take in the sounds of nature and the children's delight - to feel the sunshine, to run on the beach, laugh play and eat together, feeling that all is well and being grateful for such opportunities.

What do you find most amazing about human nature (people)?

I am always in awe of the resilience of the young people I work with and of the giving nature of our wonderful volunteers.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I hope to be still very much involved with Ardoch Youth Foundation but in more of an advisory role, perhaps on the Committee of Management or as mentor to the director.

What is the most rewarding aspect about what you do?

The most rewarding aspect about my work is the knowledge that it is making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families at the same time as it is empowering the community to take responsibility for the wellbeing of others.

If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would you set about changing?

If I were Prime Minister for a day I would ensure that all proposed legislation would be scrutinized against a social justice measure before being adopted as policy. The question considered before any legislation might be passed would be "will such legislation or policy broaden the gap between rich and poor or lessen it?" Proposals would be enshrined as policy if they don't broaden the gap.

What things do you hope people will take away with them after reading 'The Giving Spirit'

I hope that reading this book will inspire people to recognize and journey towards their dreams.
I hope the book inspires people to listen to the voice inside them that holds their hopes and dreams. Listen to that voice as a guide to action and to believe that what needs to be done can be done.

Have you ever encountered a life-changing experience? If so, can you briefly share the story with us?

A turning point for me came in 1988, when I met a young girl experiencing homelessness yet desperate to complete her education. I could not find experts to "fix" the problem and had to take the responsibility to do the best I could to support her.Within 5 years over 100 young people came forward to seek the support they too needed in order to complete their schooling. The Ardoch Youth Foundation was born.
Thank you Kathy!

If you would like to learn more about the ARDOCH YOUTH FOUNDATION, or to get involved - CLICK HERE!