Student Volunteer Army profile: Max Lister
For our first Student Volunteer Army Te Hunga Tūao (SVA) profiles, we met SVA ambassador Max Lister.
Max is in year 10 and he's also a whānau ambassador for Ngāhuru. He recently earnt his SVA silver pin for logging over 250 hours of volunteering mahi.
What got you into volunteering?
Jake Nel and I were quite lucky when we found out about SVA through a teacher after they asked if we could help out with the music for a cultural celebration at the sports centre one night. I realised that it was something that I enjoyed and have been looking for volunteering opportunities since. On top of that, I didn't even realise that I had already been volunteering at primary school!
What volunteering have you been involved with?
As well as my whānau ambassador and SVA ambassador roles, I look for many volunteering opportunities outside of school. Some things I have helped with are the children's day as the MC, Toot for Tucker (a charity food drive event) and so much more!
Also, logging heaps of volunteering activities from year 7 and 8 in primary school has helped me a lot.
What benefit does your volunteer work have in the community?
All of this work and helping has made many events and everyday life much easier for people. All of the volunteering is making a huge difference in the community which is really awesome!
Overall, it is just nice to help out with things.
What is a particular volunteering experience that stands out to you, and why?
I would say the children's day event on Sunday 3 March. This included eight hours of setting up, walking around with a giant teddy bear, and being MC for most of the day.
It stands out to me because the event would not have run as smoothly or even have been possible without all of the volunteers.
What would you say to others interested in volunteering?
You can't really go wrong. It helps other people and probably will make YOU feel good. Volunteering can be fun and enjoyable so just give it a go – you might just like it!
We celebrate learners who achieve their member and higher awards from SVA each month.
Learners interested in joining SVA should contact Mr. Baxter.
