Shine Bright highlights the value of its volunteers during National Volunteer Week

To celebrate National Volunteer Week, early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider Shine Bright showcased some of its valuable volunteers from Helm Street Kindergarten, Huntly Kindergarten, Woorinen South Kindergarten and Marong Kindergarten. 

 

At Helm Street, Trevor has been volunteering since 2019, having spent a lifetime volunteering within his community at primary schools and aged care. 

“He is a welcome male role model for children who often do not have strong male role models in their lives,” a Helm Street representative said. 

 

“He engages with all of the children using creative arts and supports their play as they learn and grow together.”

 

At Huntly Kindergarten, Trevor and Leonie Strauch have been volunteering for many years. Trevor puts the bins out each week, keeps the grass green and growing beautifully over the summer break and waters the plants when the weather is hot. 

Leonie covers the library books, organises them into a library system, and reorganises them as needed. They live locally and are considered to be Huntly royalty, with three of their grandchildren having attended Huntly Kindergarten in the past and their daughter working there currently. 

 

Huntly is lucky to have Tanya and Dale McFarlane helping out too. The couple have been volunteering at the kindergarten for many years. Dale is the resident fix-it man of any broken toys or furniture, he has repaired the wooden garage many times – a very well-loved piece of equipment at Huntly. 

Tanya has shared her love of books and songs with the children over the years. She has attended many times to do a group experience with the children, who are always engaged in Tanya’s experiences and remember her songs for the rest of the year.

 

Len has been volunteering at Woorinen South Kindergarten for over 10 years. 

“Len is such a community minded man,” a service representative explained. 

 

“He volunteers all over Woorinen South. Len is our resident gardener and unofficial caretaker – mowing the lawn, watering the garden, planting seedlings, raking leaves and taking our rubbish bins out and bringing them in after they have been emptied. He watches out for any unusual activity, especially during the holidays.” 

 

“Families, children and staff thank Len for keeping our outdoor area looking great. It is so appreciated.” 

 

Marong Kindergarten is thankful for its “fabulous” volunteer Pat McCarthy who has been with the kindergarten since 2014. 

“She helps with the groups at least two days a week. Pat has a background in kindergarten from her days down on the Mornington Peninsula at Cerberus Naval Base. We truly value her calm, cheerful manner, she is loved by staff, children and families alike. We cannot imagine Marong Kindergarten without her.”

 

To learn more about Shine Bright, please see here.