If you’re on the look out for somewhere you can help out why not consider the Tomorrow Today Foundation.
If you’ve got some spare time it has a number of opportunities including helping the smallest members of our community, with the Parents Early Education Partnership (PEEP) program, or Kinder Pals.
Volunteering is a wonderful way to make connections in the community, share your love of reading and education and to help children to grow and learn.
PEEP gives parents and their pre-school-aged children the opportunity to enjoy songs, rhymes, books and educational activities together.
Volunteers work alongside Tomorrow Today’s educators to maximise learning opportunities for children.
As a PEEP volunteer, a normal day might see you assisting with practical things like setting up the room, tidying up after a session, interacting with parents and supporting children’s play and learning activities.
PEEP runs every school day at Tomorrow Today and you might choose to volunteer once a week for two sessions — about a two or three-hour commitment.
If you only have an hour to spare, then Kinder Pals is a great option. It’s a partnership between Tomorrow Today and local pre-schools.
Volunteers spend an hour, once a week, reading picture books with small groups of children and engaging with them in conversations about the stories.
These activities help build children’s early literacy and language skills.
Sheryl, one of Tomorrow Today’s Kinder Pals, said she loved to volunteer.
“It’s very rewarding just being with young children,” Sheryl said.
“They ask you so many questions and they are so interested in everything. I love just talking with them.”
You don’t need any prior experience to volunteer — training and assistance is provided by experienced staff.
Volunteers need to hold, or be willing to apply for, a “Working with Children Check”.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like to learn more, phone Sally Matheson or Cathy Hair at Tomorrow Today on 5762 1211. Alternatively you can register your interest via tomorrowtoday.com.au/ways-you-can-help/volunteer
Further information on the Tomorrow Today Foundation and its programs can be found via www.tomorrowtoday.com.au, or on Facebook @TomorrowTodayAu