SERVICE with a SMILE

While teaching at Hamilton Boys’ High School I organised community service activities with students who belonged to the Leo service club. (This group was sponsored by the Lions Service Club). 

Friday afternoon was selected as an ideal time to do our service activities as weekend sport and family time was not affected. Always within walking distance from the school, we spent many happy hours painting fences, picking up rubbish from local streets, clearing home and other school’s gardens, raking leaves and once even shifting bricks. We also worked at an early childhood centre and a couple of retirement homes. The local organisations we worked for were most appreciative of our combined efforts and sometimes biscuits and cold drinks were offered and devoured.

We had a ritual of before and after photos as the work was often difficult and dirty. Together we enjoyed the physical nature of the work and seeing the appreciative smiles of our happy clients.

POINTS to PONDER

The students and I were happy helping and working as a team. We had many laughs, often at the expense of each other! A lot of satisfaction was gained from doing transformational tasks and making a difference in the properties and peoples lives.

Are we willing to be good role-models for the younger generation? There is something about ‘young and old’ working together for a common goal. Being kind can often mean ‘rolling your sleeves up’ and doing hard mahi (work).

Service opportunities are everywhere in our local communities. You don’t have to join a service group if you don’t want to. Get a few friends together and get on with it.