Giving back to the community is an important value that Toowoomba Grammar School endeavours to instill in our boys. Year 12 student, Tumoana Strugnell is a shining example of how it costs nothing but our time to help others, especially as we move into the Festive season and the challenges of life seem heightened.
I first became involved in community service when I was in Year 6, through my local primary school’s involvement on ANZAC Day and my parent’s involvement in local community events. I’m active in my town of Cambooya, being involved in community events such as Christmas parties, Summer Tunes and Australia Day, be it set up, clean up or involvement on the day. I am a founding member of the Cambooya Community Hall Committee – Next Gen (Youth Committee) and a member of the Toowoomba Regional Council Youth Leaders Program. I assist at Food Bank Queensland via the Cannon Hill Baptist Church with my grandfather, and I am actively engaged in a variety of Toowoomba and School-based events.
Through my involvement in both the Interact Club and School life in general, a multitude of service activities have been made available for me to participate in. I began my involvement in the Toowoomba Grammar School Interact Club in Year 10. The Club’s sole purpose is to give back to our local and wider community and supports the organisation of, and participation in, service activities undertaken through the School. The Interact Club encourages boys to donate their time and aims to educate boys about the importance of service.
Toowoomba Grammar School provides incredible service opportunities year-round, such as the Sony Camp, the AEIOU Take a Hike event, Rosies – Friends on the Street food kitchen, and visits to primary and special schools. These opportunities, in conjunction with the values and examples set by my parents, have helped pave the way for me to become more involved in my community and build the confidence to join groups such as the Toowoomba Regional Council Youth Leaders Program.
I find service and giving to others to be incredibly rewarding, fulfilling and uplifting. I enjoy the social aspect of being involved with service; I enjoy the joy that can be brought to others through simple acts of kindness. I’m only 16, and I may not have a lot of things, but one thing I do have is time. Donations of time are some of the simplest and purest acts of service, in my opinion. Because of this fact, if I can’t find time, I’ll try to make it. Although balancing your study, sporting and social life may be a juggling act, particularly so in your Senior years, I believe everyone can still find time to be charitable and kind. Sometimes, it can be as simple as taking ten minutes and writing a letter to an overseas soldier or an elderly resident. A simple act, inconsequential and fleeting in your life, can bring unimaginable joy and change to another life. So, make the time, put another before yourself, be charitable and spread love, not hate.
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