Heart of the Haven: Graham Lee

“I just want to get on with helping where I can,” he said humbly.

Telling NOTA about his life’s journey, Graham reflects on an upbringing typical of the era.

“I grew up in a family of six,” Graham said.

“We lived near a lake and there were six or seven houses with kids all around the same age.

“We were always off on some kind of adventure – climbing trees, fishing, just enjoying being kids.

“It was a great way to grow up.”

But life later took a turn, and Graham found himself facing some of his hardest challenges.

“I went through a really rough patch and ended up living on the street,” he shared.

“That’s when I really started getting involved in the community.

“It gave me something to focus on and a reason to keep going.”

From that turning point, Graham threw himself into helping others.

He’s since been chairman of two charities and is still the chair of one today.

Among the things he’s most proud of are: finding his way back to God; starting Community at 3 with a like-minded friend who also prefers to work behind the scenes; and leading the $5 Coffee Charity Fund.

“The $5 Coffee Club started with a simple idea: people donate the cost of a coffee, and that money goes directly toward helping locals doing it tough,” Graham explained.

“It might be a night of emergency accommodation, some groceries, or a fuel voucher.

“Those small donations really do add up.”

Thanks to local generosity and community spirit, Graham and the team have helped provide temporary housing and support for people right across the region.

“It’s amazing what people can achieve when we all pull together,” Graham said.

“Our community has helped get a roof over people’s heads when they’ve needed it most and I reckon that’s something to be proud of.”

By Chan ANSELL