It was just a few weeks before Mother’s Day in 2024 when Donna Yarnold first put her hand up to volunteer at Manning Valley Anglican College.
The K-12 school was desperately trying to fill the role of president within its Parents and Friends Association at the time, and Donna’s daughter-in-law had cleverly planted the seed during a phone call.
The timing couldn’t have been better.
“After some thought, and given I have six grandchildren who attend the school, I thought: why not?” Donna says.
“I have always volunteered for multiple sporting clubs and other school P & C’s and have a real passion for it.”
Donna has volunteered for different organisations for as long as she can remember.
“Seeing children smile for one reason or another makes it all worthwhile,” she says.
“Seeing the gratitude parents feel, and their thanks, makes it even better.
“If I can lighten the load for just one person, it’s worth it.”
Donna has been volunteering for other sporting organisations as well as at her older children’s school canteen and P&C for more than 20 years.
Her advice for those considering volunteering is simple.
“I think the main thing is to build a wonderful group of likeminded people, mums, dads, caregivers, siblings, anyone who wants to make a difference to our children’s school.
“We are there to support the school wherever it is needed.
“It is a wonderful way for us to also make some lovely friends which I have already been blessed with.”
Today, Donna is a regular fixture around the school grounds. Whether she’s cooking a barbecue or serving a cold drink at an MVAC event, she is always wearing a smile.
