Benalla is well known for service groups that dedicate hundreds of hours to voluntary community projects, but it’s worth noting that youngsters in the Rose City are just as generous.
On Wednesday, December 6, Benalla Girl Guides’ nine young members were presented with certificates to honour their volunteer hours in 2023 by the Lions Club at a Christmas party in the Rocket Park.
Lions Club president Peter Poels said the club was pleasantly surprised by the number of hours these dedicated youngsters had given to their community.
Volunteer Service Award recipients:
Emily Snell — 228 hours
Olivia Goodwin — 220 hours
Erin Jenkins — 214 hours
Jacinta Woodward — 206 hours
Rebecca Goodwin — 168 hours
Molly Baxter — 156 hours
Ngarie Burke — 154 hours
Viola Duryea — 154 hours
Jolene Purcell — 130 hours
“We normally give out certificates for up to 100 service hours, but when we tallied all the figures, all had done much more,” Mr Poels said.
In fact, four of them had completed more than double that number.
“We’ve been doing this for about four years now, and it’s a great opportunity for us to recognise the hard work of the youth in Benalla,” Mr Poels said.
“We gave certificates to nine young people today and a bag of lollies they were pretty happy with.
“Lions also provided soft drinks for the party.”
Mr Poels said the hard work of groups like the Girl Guides shows Benalla has a bright future.
“If they’ve got that giving in their hearts, perhaps when they’re older, they might consider joining a club like Lions or Leos clubs.
“And we’d be happy to welcome them.”