This story is part of a series of ‘good news’ stories written by journalism students from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
Newtown’s King Street is known for its eccentric communities and vibrant nightlife, but in a quiet corner of the inner west Sydney suburb, a hidden kindness is tucked away behind Saint Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church.
Born in Kalamata, Greece, in 1949, Dimitra Mihopoulos grew up surrounded by olive trees and open fields. At a young age, she decided she was made for more than quiet village life and aged 19 moved to Australia to be with her sister.
Ever since, she has dedicated her life to helping those less fortunate than herself, working as the head volunteer at the Newtown church's soup kitchen, inspired by her faith.
The soup kitchen provides up to 200 meals a day for the vulnerable and homeless.
“Everybody's good at something. Some people have got a special talent from God, some people have the gift of academia, other people have the gift of raising children and knowledge.”
Her gift, she believes, is helping others.
Everybody's good at something.Dimitra Mihopoulos
The soup kitchen was founded by her family friend, Father Zaharias Nektarios, in Marrickville in 1978 before moving to Newtown a few years later. Dimitra got involved in 1986.
It provides up to 200 meals a day for the vulnerable and homeless, and although it is a vital service, Dimitra says it’s about more than food.
The most important thing, she says, is “αγάπη” (pronounced ‘a-ya-pi’), meaning love.
The Greek Welfare Centre in Newton, Sydney. Credit: Supplied/Mikala Theocharous
Helping others
Dimitra - described as a “saint on Earth” by one of those working with her - was destined to help others, and has been doing so since she was a child.
Greek words slip from her tongue as she recalls a story from when she was only 12, waiting at the bus stop at the entrance to Kalamata.
Tourists from all over the world would travel there to witness the beauty of the white sand beaches, drink wine and taste the "Ελιοψωμο” (pronounced ‘eliop-somo’), meaning olive bread.
“I remember there was a couple that came from Ireland, they didn’t know Greek well so I helped them around the city.
“When they went back to Ireland they got someone to write a letter in Greek for me saying thank you and they sent it to my mother … Just for that one little thing I did to help them.
“That was when I realised that helping people … that’s my gift from God.”
Dimitra and her husband. Source: SBS News / Supplied/Dimitra Mihopoulos
“When I moved to Australia in 1968, I met my partner and he had the same beliefs and morals as me … so we started helping families together.”
“I struggled with his passing, I tell you, it was a big change, but God paved the way.”
Guided by Father Nektarios, she started volunteering full time in honour of Constantine.
Dimitra volunteering for the Malaysian Red Crescent Society. Credit: Supplied/Dimitra Mihopoulos
“I went from volunteering two days a week to five. Now I believe whenever I help someone, he is standing beside me.”
Life lessons
After decades of hard work and love, Dimitra says she has learnt a lot about the struggles people face daily.
“I’ve learnt that the volunteers realise their problems are nothing compared to others.”
“When someone first comes to us for help, they think it’s embarrassing … then life takes its toll on them and they realise that asking for help is nothing compared to what they are exposed to, they need to do it to survive.”
She’s also learnt some important lessons along the way.
“I do remember there was someone I met that stood out. I knew someone’s family who came into the kitchen and I told them ‘I know your family.’ They never came back after that because they felt ashamed. I realised I shamed them accidentally. It was a good lesson for me to not do that again.”
Dimitra is a popular member of the community. Credit: Supplied/Dimitra Mihopoulos
“We also look after the ones who aren’t mobile, who need extra care … The priest helps pay for the food as well as private donors,” she says.
“Our fellow human is your family; that is how you should treat them.”
Our fellow human is your family; that is how you should treat them.
With a lifetime of love under her belt, Dimitra says she has no intention of stopping any time soon.
She also encourages others to help out in their local community.
“Volunteers are the most beautiful souls around us.
“A society living without love is like a coin without value; it may shine but it doesn't represent anything.”
Mikala Theocharous is a Greek Australian student journalist and creative writer living in South West Sydney who hopes to inspire kindness through her work.
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