Good Bitches Baking – Queenstown & Central Otago Chapter
by Kate Holland
Good Bitches Baking Queenstown & Central Otago is a group of individuals who are keen to share a bit of kindness with the Central Otago community. Part of a national organisation, our chapter consists of 31 people who donate their time and baking prowess, and their own pantry of ingredients, to make treats for people who may need a touch of kindness.
It is not only sweet baking like cookies, slices and cupcakes but also savoury muffins and loaves that are donated. There are no rules about ‘fancy’ baking or types of treats, other than it should be made with care. Most of us know that warm feeling we get when a friend gives us something they’ve made for us with their own hands – when that treat comes from a stranger who just wants you to know that your community cares, there’s a little extra sweetness.
These bits of kindness are distributed by the bakers to recipient organisations in our area including Baskets of Blessings, Happiness House, Remarkable Mums, Southland Cancer Society and others. The common factor with these organisations is that they support people having some kind of difficult time in their lives, without judgement or exclusion. Each box of baking includes a flyer listing ingredients and with a note from the baker.
Good Bitches Baking is a national organisation which was started in 2014 in Wellington. A couple of friends were catching up and discussing the trouble and distress they saw around them in their home city. One recalled the feeling of support and respite she felt when someone in her office left a scone on her desk on a particularly tough day and they decided there was something in that idea. Now we have 29 chapters with just under 3000 Good Bitches and 335 recipient organisations. Occasionally people find our name provocative, but it is a badge of honour among the group – a good bitch is someone who just gets stuff done without looking for praise (similar to a good bugger…).
The baking is organised on a monthly roster system – each GB nominates what days they can provide goodies and how many bakes they will be able to do and then the provisional roster lets them decide if they can bake for those deliveries. It’s a very structured system that still allows people to contribute as much as their time, commitments, budget or experience allows.
What do we receive in return? The warmth of knowing we’ve made someone’s day a little sweeter and played a part in making our place a kinder community. There is a quote from an ancestor – “Don’t pay back – give forward” – and that is exactly what we do.
To find out more, visit www.gbb.org.nz
“… it’s obvious that it’s made with love and our older members really appreciate it because they often talk about how they no longer have anyone to bake for. For our younger clients, they haven’t often experienced anything close to home baking….” – Able Minds
“The food we receive from Good Bitches Baking provides much needed snacks and treats for families with children.” – Community networks Wanaka/LINK
We are always on the lookout for more volunteers to join the Good Bitches baking team. You can get in contact at gbb.org.nz
