Volunteering Queensland

Creating a Healthy World for Kids

With childhood obesity reaching record highs across Australia, the importance of nutrition and lifestyle for children has come to the forefront of many Australian lives. As many more Australians are encouraging their children to adopt a healthier lifestyle, volunteer organisations such as the Australian Sports Commission are doing their bit to combat this growing trend.

Claire Morrison, who has young children herself, has been working with the Australian Sports Commission, for over a year as a sports activities assistant at Forest Lake Cottages After School Care to give her kids a healthier lifestyle.

Ms Morrison said that the reason she decided to give up her career in sales and volunteer, was to encourage kids to get active and healthy.

“Seeing the kids so excited to be back the following week and not wanting a session to end is one of the highlights of my job,” she said.

“Knowing I make a small difference to their lifestyle choice is so rewarding.”

Since Ms Morrison’s first year as a volunteer, she has quit her fulltime career and has now changed her future by deciding to go back and study a Diploma of Sports Development at TAFE.

“It’s fantastic. I do approximately five hours a week volunteering in sport, and my career change means a brighter future helping kids.”

To find out more about volunteering, please phone Volunteering Queensland on 3002 7600, or visit the website on www.volqld.org.au.