14 August 2025
I have been volunteering with Puddle Jumpers since the start of 2024 with their initiative that collects food donations from the Pooraka Sunday Markets. Through committing with this organisation, I have learnt many valuable lifelong skills and have truly grown as a person. I work with people who at first were strangers, but through this shared activity together, we have formed a bond, united through doing volunteering together, developing my collaboration skills.
Further, I have also met many kinds of people, both in the people I have worked with and in vendors and shoppers, which have increased my social intelligence, teamwork and communication skills. Over time, I became one of the more experienced people in the group, helping assist and guide new members.
The work is very simple and requires only a small group, however we consistently collect two truckfulls of fresh produce every week. The trucks then transport the food back to the warehouse, and the food will be sorted and distributed to people in need, providing food relief for over a thousand people. Through this, I have discovered the impact a small group of people can have.
Volunteering with this initiative has also made me realise how privileged I am. I have never experienced food insecurity in my household, but even this small action of collecting food donations to prevent food waste can positively impact this prevalent issue. Through my commitment to this initiative, I have found a stronger sense of purpose in helping others. Because of this, I always find time to come back and hope I can continue to contribute to this great cause even after I graduate.
There are many ways for students to get involved with this amazing group. From the “Current Volunteer Opportunities” page on the Keystone Service Learning Home Page, there are opportunities to help out with this organisation every day of the week. That’s how I first got involved and I encourage other students to do so.
Matthew Liu
Year 11
