MERCURY SERIES - Making A Difference
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They say charity starts at home, and that it takes a community to raise a child.
That is certainly happening at one Wollongong primary school with the help of a small team of volunteers who are having a positive impact on many young lives.
A breakfast club, co-ordinated by the children's minister at a Figtree church, started this term at Farmborough Road Public School where 10 volunteers have made an immediate impact.
The breakfast club is held every Wednesday and Friday before school with the support of Kelloggs, Bakers Delight Dapto, and Crinis's fruit shop.
The Good Guys at Warrawong provided the toasters and kettles.
Co-ordinator Deborah Burford, of Wollongong Church of Christ, said providing breakfasts for students before school twice a week continued a relationship that started with a mentoring program called Kids Hope seven years ago, which was followed by a chess club and other activities.
All initiatives rely on volunteers.
"A breakfast club is something I have wanted to do for a number of years, but when we approached the school in term three the principal Dale Green had already been speaking to her staff about it," Mrs Burford said.
"She was very enthusiastic and supportive and since we started we have had great feedback from the school. Breakfast club is open to anyone. We don't want kids to feel uncomfortable or awkward about coming along."
But none of it would be possible without the volunteers who included two supermarket employees, a telephone researcher and an airline flight attendant.
The breakfast club is open to all, but includes children who might otherwise go without breakfast or not have enough food to get them through the day.
"We feed between 40 and 50 children each day," Mrs Burford said.
"They can take the fruit with them and save it for recess or later."
Hairdresser Tracey Mosley was one of the first to get involved.
"I have Wednesdays off so I thought I could give something back by going to Farmborough Road School and do something for the kids," she said.
"I love to see the kids running up with smiley faces. They actually come up and talk to you and say hello. It is great to know you are helping them get through the day."
Graham and Wilma Barker said it was not the first time they had done voluntary community work.
Mr Barker said it was not just about buttering toast and serving food, it was being seen as someone who cared. Mrs Barker said it was great to see how much it seemed to brighten the day of many children.
"They usually have big smiles on their faces.
"They come along, have a chat and then sit and have brekkie. I mentor at the school on a Wednesday so there was one little girl I had already known for a couple of years. She comes along with all her friends. They come and see me and have a chat.
"Because I am at the school weekly I do see the kids who need a little extra love and care. So I thought this was a good way to do something a little bit extra."
Lennea Grace has just returned from two years living in India and said while hunger was not as visible in Australia, there were still children in our community and in many local schools who did not get enough to eat.
Mrs Grace said it was great they felt comfortable coming along and sharing breakfast with everyone.
"At the breakfast club everyone is equal," she said.
"What I saw in India definitely opened my heart to volunteering and seeing the difference that it makes.
"I love kids and this is definitely a passion of mine. I also pick up the fruit from Peter Crinis. He has been so generous. I am really thankful and amazed."
Mr Crinis said he was only too happy to help.
"It just seemed like a good cause," he said.
"And it doesn't hurt to promote fruit and vegies in children's diets. Hopefully we are making a difference."
University of Wollongong student Jessica Ratcliffe, 20, of Farmborough Heights, has just finished the third year of her training to become a primary school teacher and volunteers at the breakfast club and Kids Hope.
"I've done it for about two years." she said.
"I just want to be a positive role model for a child."