Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Volunteer Spotlight! Meet Christine
08 May 2024
“I have always been interested in helping people and have a passion for volunteering.
My first volunteering experience was dropping into the Children’s Hospital on my way to work, to read to the kids. Since then, I’ve worked with international food and refugee charities, and fostered children from all over the world.
For me, volunteering has always been about having a strong sense of community and a feeling of doing something positive for society.
I started volunteering at The Smith Family around six years ago. At first, I mostly did admin work at the volunteer centre [Volunteer Coordination Unit], but I have since started helping at my local Learning Club. I’m also training to be an early learning reader.
My first volunteering experience was dropping into the Children’s Hospital on my way to work, to read to the kids. Since then, I’ve worked with international food and refugee charities, and fostered children from all over the world.
For me, volunteering has always been about having a strong sense of community and a feeling of doing something positive for society.
I started volunteering at The Smith Family around six years ago. At first, I mostly did admin work at the volunteer centre [Volunteer Coordination Unit], but I have since started helping at my local Learning Club. I’m also training to be an early learning reader.
I love working with a wonderful team, and celebrating the wins and joys of the students I support.
I’m motivated to give back because I know what it’s like to receive a helping hand when times are tough. I experienced disadvantage as a kid and was raised by my mum in a single-parent household. I love working with a wonderful team, and celebrating the wins and joys of the students I support.
COVID was a challenging time for me as I have health issues, but I was able to keep volunteering with The Smith Family through remote admin work. I did it because I wanted to stay connected
to my network.
It [is] a really amazing feeling to be recognised by The Smith Family… For me, volunteering has always been about having a strong sense of community and a feeling of doing something positive for society. I really do give it my all and am always happy to put in the extra hours.
I’m motivated to give back because I know what it’s like to receive a helping hand when times are tough. I experienced disadvantage as a kid and was raised by my mum in a single-parent household. I love working with a wonderful team, and celebrating the wins and joys of the students I support.
COVID was a challenging time for me as I have health issues, but I was able to keep volunteering with The Smith Family through remote admin work. I did it because I wanted to stay connected
to my network.
It [is] a really amazing feeling to be recognised by The Smith Family… For me, volunteering has always been about having a strong sense of community and a feeling of doing something positive for society. I really do give it my all and am always happy to put in the extra hours.
Read more student and family stories in our Autumn 2024 edition of Real People, Real Stories
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