The true spirit of volunteering is often found in simple acts of kindness. Time shared, conversations sparked, and connections made across generations. Students from Mount Carmel Secondary School brought that spirit to life with a heartfelt visit to the Active Retired group on Henrietta Street.
In the lead up to Easter, the students organised a creative card making workshop with the group. Together they designed colourful Easter cards, shared stories, and enjoyed plenty of laughter along the way. The students also gifted Easter eggs to their hosts, adding an extra touch of seasonal joy to the afternoon.
Of course, no Easter visit would be complete without a little bit of seasonal silliness. Some of the students arrived wearing bunny ears, while one particularly brave volunteer squeezed into an inflatable Easter chick costume and quickly became the star of the afternoon. It was impossible not to smile as the giant yellow chick waddled around the room. Before long everyone was posing for photos, with young and old alike keen to capture the moment.
While the crafts, costumes, and chocolate were appreciated, the most meaningful part of the visit was the time spent together. Students and residents had the chance to chat, learn about one another’s lives, and build connections between generations in their community. For many of the students, it was a reminder that volunteering is not just about helping. It is about listening, learning, and forming relationships.
Experiences like this highlight the real impact of youth volunteering. When young people step into their communities they bring energy, creativity, and empathy. At the same time they gain valuable life skills such as communication, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the people around them.
This is exactly the kind of meaningful experience celebrated through MyVP – National Youth Volunteering Portfolio. MyVP encourages young people to recognise and reflect on the volunteering they do in their communities, helping them see the value of their contributions while building confidence and skills for the future.
The visit from Mount Carmel students shows how small actions can have a big impact. A few hours spent making cards, sharing conversation, and taking photos with a surprisingly popular inflatable chick turned into a memorable afternoon for everyone involved. It is proof that volunteering strengthens communities and brings people together.
As Easter approaches, this initiative is a lovely reminder that kindness, creativity, and connection are at the heart of community life. And for the students who took part, it is another meaningful step on their volunteering journey and building their personal profiles on MyVP.
Stories from across the Localise community.
Subscribe to get the latest on news, community events and volunteering insights from young people straight to your inbox.
