It was two and a half years ago that Ann-Maria Martin and her daughter fled the horror of domestic violence, sparking the beginning of a remarkable story and a not-for-profit charity and benevolent foundation that supports the fight against domestic violence, homelessness and unemployment.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ann-Maria's story, is heart-breaking yet has been the catalyst for change not only for her and her daughters' lives but so many others.
Born from her own need to get help and a lack of obvious paths to take, Ann-Maria set up Survivors R Us to provide counselling, assistance, low-cost food and an op-shop to assist those in need in rebuilding their lives.
Since the business began in March 2017, Survivors R Us have assisted over 12,000 people.
It's a staggering statistic that would not have been achieved without the commitment of the 75 volunteers that give their time everyday.
From weekly events to food trucks providing the homeless with much needed meals five nights a week, Ann-Maria and her team are relentless in their quest to assist everyone and anyone who is in need.
"Everyone is welcome here, it doesn't matter who they are or what their story," says Ann-Maria.
Along with her daughter Bailey, who is now President and Youth Ambassador of the foundation, Ann-Maria runs the Cardiff organisation believing every little bit of difference they can make is worth it.
"I'd like to think that we are making a difference. While domestic violence is still a huge issue in the Hunter region, we are proud of how far we have come since we first began."
Survivors R Us is a finalist in the Customer Service - Whole Business category at the upcoming Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards, a nomination that Ann-Maria says is testament to the efforts of all of the volunteers.
"I am so proud of everyone here and what they do to help others who are in need."
Having survived the ordeal of domestic violence, Ann-Maria was also diagnosed with cancer, a situation that would leave most unable to go on.
Determined to turn things around and leave her mark, one way or another, her spirit and unwavering positivity has led the not-for-profit to expand to three buildings with a forth on the map.
"I thought well, if I'm going to have to leave this world then I'm going to make sure I make a difference before I do," she said.
Now in remission, Ann-Maria focuses on sharing her belief with others, that we can achieve anything when we set our minds to it.
And so her nomination for Business Woman of the Year at the upcoming Hunter Business Excellence Awards should perhaps come as little surprise.
