Volunteering Queensland

Volunteering Gives Support to Others

Many people don’t realize that the volunteer work that they provide can actually help others to bring about change in their lives and support others. This was the case for Sherwinna Chiang, as it wasn’t until she joined the Volunteer Support Mentoring Program (VSMP) that she realised how much she could change the life of someone else.

“I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life and to give them hope, fun and laughter when they needed it. I volunteered because I wanted to be a part of the community and to help kids that weren’t as lucky as I was growing up,” she said.

“Even though you are aware of families and people that aren’t as lucky as yourself, you don’t really understand what it is like for others living in the same city – until you see it first hand,” said Ms Chiang.

Ms Chiang was introduced to this program through an e-mail from her University and said that the VSMP program is a program that matches young adults in foster care with adult mentors in order to build resilience and life skills.

“One of my biggest highlights is that my mentee (the person I mentor) is always happy and enthusiastic about seeing me and finding out what I have planned for our outing. It’s been rewarding to see my mentee growing up and maturing, I always look forward to seeing her,” said Ms Chiang.

Mrs Chiang said that volunteering has literally “opened up her eyes” to the fact that there is a bigger world than the one she has known.

If you would like to get involved with volunteering, contact Volunteering Queensland to find out more on 3002 7600, visit the web site on www.volqld.org.au.