Happiness Through Baking
Words: Pattie Pegler
Images: Supplied
Good Bitches Baking (GBB) is a national organization that helps to spread a little happiness by delivering home baked goods to those who might be having a tough day. There are ‘chapters’ all over the country and we recently got to chat with Richard Doran, ‘head bitch’ of the Timaru Chapter
A father of two and a business development manager in his day job, Richard, joined the Timaru chapter of GBB four years ago. It was a little gentle pressure from his two sisters, who both baked for GBB, that got him involved.
Having grown up with a mother who was a keen baker, Richard tapped into some of those old family recipes and started spreading a little kindness in the community. “The very first time I baked chocolate chip cookies and they were going to hospice. Then I did a chocolate cake and that was going to women’s refuge. It’s quite a different concept baking something and sending it off to complete strangers,” he says.
It may be a different concept but it’s one that resonates with both the volunteers and the recipients. There are currently 32 ‘active’ bakers in the Timaru area says Richard. And the baking can be anything from simple cookies to slices, muffins or beautifully decorated big cakes. While the volunteers' baking and delivery is rostered each month, Richard loves that his volunteers are always prepared to whip up something delicious at a moment’s notice if needed.
The bakers are provided with a box to put the baking in and a card where they write the ingredients of the item. As well as a note to the recipient – and these can really vary says Richard. Some may write poems, some may send a message, some decorate them with stickers and sparkles. They are all unique and made and sent with love.
Aside from the actual baking there are also logistics involved. The baking has to be collected from all the bakers and delivered to the recipients. Two of the core groups that GBB Timaru deliver baking to are Women’s Refuge and the hospice – but they also have delivered to a wide range of support groups and other volunteer organisations and charities in the area.
It’s all about spreading a little happiness says Richard, about providing something nice to somebody who might be having a really bad day. And whilst the bakers often don’t receive feedback – when it does come it can be really meaningful. Richard tells of a group they baked for that was running a workshop for people struggling with addiction issues. Some of those that received the baking said it lifted their spirits because getting baking from the community shows that people still care and that the recipients are still part of that community.
“Some have even been inspired to bake themselves” says Richard. “So if we can show there is kindness out there and actually encourage others. It’s an easy way to spread a little happiness.”
If you’d like to spread a little happiness through baking – then get in touch through the Good Bitches Baking website at www.gbb.org.nz. Richard and the Timaru chapter will be delighted to hear from you.
