Inspiring South Australians making meaningful contributions

Hundreds of thousands of South Australian donate their time and energy to help others and these inspiring volunteers vary not just in age but also background.

16-year-old Max is just like any other teenager. He’s an avid soccer player and Adelaide United fan, he enjoys catching up with friends and loves pasta, Thai and sushi. What sets him apart is that many young kids think he’s a superhero.

Max volunteers as a mentor, helping some of South Australia’s most disadvantaged young kids at camps held by the not-for-profit, Puddle Jumpers. The teenager is known around the campsite as a ‘Min Tie’, short for Mentoring Training, its mentoring leadership training program that teaches young leaders how to empower even young kids to develop skills in conflict and behaviour management, communication, team-building and problem-solving in a safe and fun environment.

Max said volunteering gives him the unique experience of seeing first-hand how he can positively impact a young child’s life.

“When some kids leave camp, they get really emotional and ask if they can stay at camp forever,” shared Max.

“At one camp, there was a 6-year-old boy who was struggling and I got to know him and build his trust to the point that at bedtime, he wouldn’t settle unless it was me that read him a book.”

Puddle Jumpers organises camps and activities that aim to give young people at risk the confidence and skills to take more control of their lives. For Max’s mum, Melanie, Puddle Jumpers has also helped develop Max into a compassionate and confident young leader.

“I am extremely proud of Max,” Melanie said, “but what’s really great for Max is that while volunteering, he’s also had fun, making new friends while developing lifelong skills.

“A person doesn’t wake up and decide they’re going to be a leader tomorrow. What Puddle Jumpers provide for our youth is an opportunity to help really young kids who are struggling as well as nurture our future leaders.”

Volunteering SA & NT CEO Hamilton Calder says Max is just one of many inspiring youngsters who volunteer.

“Max shows the invaluable importance of nurturing the art of giving from a young age as it creates a deep connection for young people who are seeking meaningful involvement when volunteering.

“This year’s National Volunteer Week highlights the impactful role volunteers have in being change-makers.

“Volunteers are known as the invisible workforce, in fact in South Australia, around half the population volunteer their time generating around $5 billion towards the local community.”

For Afghan refugee, Mohammed, volunteering provided him an opportunity to help communities in his new home city.

“It opens a world of opportunities for you, and it is very rewarding to be able to provide help in crisis situations and in times of need. Not only that, but volunteering has also helped with my communication skills as well as my confidence and building connections. Volunteering has brought me to where I am and with a job that I’m very happy with.”

“There are many benefits of volunteering, it gives you a sense of achievement, it helps you be a part of a community, and it helps you feel better about yourself by learning new things and gaining new skills and experiences. It also helps you share your talents and skills.

“Volunteering is also a great way to open opportunities for yourself, good for your mental health and well-being, and also a way of making friends whilst also doing something good for the community.”