There is a group of women who are reclaiming not only control of the insulting term 'bitch', but also turning it on its head to empower themselves, and at the same time using it to help other marginalised communities in New Zealand. After all, they will tell you unapologetically "bitches get things done".
Good Bitches Baking (GBB) is a volunteer organisation that creates baking treats and gifts them to people who are having a tough time. The GBB is on a mission to "make life a little nicer for the sad, the vulnerable, the ill, the homeless and countless others having a rough time".
Good Bitches have been popping up all over the country and Millie Bruce from Good Bitches Baking Whakatane approached us here at Pou Whakaaro to team up and support the people of Whakatane. We here at Pou Whakaaro are a charitable trust and our mission to support and empower people to live life well, lines up well with GBB's mission to make "Aotearoa the kindest place on earth".
So how does it work? GBB creates beautiful dishes of delectable treats and delivers them to our office once a month. Our team then distribute these to families in need as well as donating some to people recovering at Te Toki Maurere.
With a careful balance of giving with dignity and reaching out to our most vulnerable communities, the GBB special baking gifts are received with gratitude. The people we partner often echoing those in other communities by saying, "knowing that someone cares has helped us to get through some of the most challenging days in our lives."
If, like us, you are impressed with GBB and would like to find out more, you can visit their website here at https://www.gbb.org.nz. Here you will also discover a number of ways you can support their cause by shopping, donating or volunteering.
Don't forget to check out their blog which features recipes, like this one for 'Tangy Lemon Weetbix Square' https://www.gbb.org.nz/post/recipe-tangy-lemon-weetbix-square, because we all deserve a treat now and then.