By ALESHA CAPONE
SEEING a child smile is only reward Laura Ioannou needs for her volunteer work with the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
The young Taylors Lakes resident began volunteering as part of the ‘Starlight Team’ in 2011, while she was at university and working two jobs.
“I felt like I wanted to give back to the community and more importantly to the children and their families,” Ms Ioannou, 24, said.
“I wasn’t satisfied with work or studying, and I knew volunteering would mean so much more to me and others.”
Ms Ioannou has encouraged her fellow Brimbank residents to support the upcoming Starlight Day, on 3 May and across the weekend.
Volunteers will be collecting donations and selling merchandise at Watergardens Town Centre, near the ANZ entrance, as part of the campaign.
This year, the Starlight Children’s Foundation hopes to $1.5 million on Starlight Day, to support their work with seriously ill children across Australia – such as the famous Wish Granting program.
“One of my best friends is a nurse at the Royal Children’s Hospital,” Ms Ioannou said.
“She sees firsthand the work the Starlight Children’s Foundation does, and how much the work they do means to everyone at the hospital.”
Ms Ioannou said her main volunteer work with the foundation has recently involved face-painting at events such as football games and organising fundraising activities.
“Most people who know me know that I love kids. Seeing a smile on their faces is the most rewarding experience for me,” she said.
“I love making people laugh. To hear the joy and to see the happiness not only from the children, but from the parents, is something words can’t describe.”
For more information go to www.starlightday.org.au or phone 1300 727 827.
