Our stories

National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. This year’s theme is ‘Better Together’, and appropriately so, as together we accomplish so much more.

At this time of year, we come together to recognise and celebrate our wonderful volunteers for all the ways they contribute to SHINE for Kids.

To mark National Volunteer Week, we are putting some of our many incredible volunteers in the spotlight, please meet ….  Andrew!

Andrew: Stand As One, Kariong 

How long have you been volunteering with SHINE for Kids?

I’ve been a volunteer for 5 years.

What inspired you to apply to volunteer with SHINE for Kids?

I spent many years working as a teacher involved with students with behavioural and psychological problems. These students are often over represented in the the Justice system.

I could see the worth of early intervention and support that could break the cycle of reoffending and bring stability to peoples lives. Once I retired, SHINE for Kids seemed like an organisation that was working toward a similar ambition and a positive way for me to maintain an interest in the lives of young people.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

I enjoy the interaction and positive influence that is possible when working with young offenders.

While you need to be realistic in terms of what is achievable, it is often the understated changes in behaviour and ambition from young people achieved over a long period of time that is rewarding.

Working with the SHINE for Kids team has proved to be a supportive experience.

What impact do you think you have made?

I think the critical thing is to offer hope and an alternative to a cycle of crime and dependency. I would like to think that message spreads to the wider family.

What has been your most memorable moment?

I could say, that one young man after being released has succeeded in establishing a family, works regularly and understands the ongoing support of SHINE for Kids.

I think that minor changes in behaviour can be just as rewarding, whether it be excelling at school, maintaining contact with family or staying out of trouble.

While you’re here, we need your help. Our amazing volunteers can only do so much, we also rely on the support and kind donations of the community to continue to run our many programs across NSW, Vic, WA, Qld and the ACT.

It’s only with continued support that we can be there to reach out to and walk beside children and families as they navigate one of the toughest times in their lives. We are changing futures, one child at a time. Evey bit counts. Please donate today. Thank you!