AUTHOR: ALLY VOYLES
Embracing Ministries – a struggling charity just trying to help those who need it most. We sat down with Anneliese Smolonogov, our school’s correspondent with Embracing Ministries, to get a closer look at the organisation. But before we get into the interview, some important information:
What is Embracing Ministries? According to their website, they are “an initiative of the Anglican Church of Canberra and Goulburn, an Anglican group seeking to reach out to the needs of families with youth and children affected by disabilities.” Several schools, such as Radford and CGGS, are involved with the organization; Radford often hosts Embracing Ministries’ Holiday Program. The Holiday Program is one of two upcoming volunteer opportunities, where us students can work together with those who directly benefit: the children.
Ally Voyles: So, Anneliese, let’s start off with a basic questions. Can you tell us a bit about Embracing Ministries’ upcoming volunteer opportunities?
Anneliese Smolonogov: The holiday program, which comes with a day of training beforehand, takes place at either Radford or one of the two disabled schools in Canberra [and takes place over school holidays]. Basically you spend all day with the kids, helping them through various activities such as arts and crafts, and getting them involved with the activities. There’s a lot of dancing and tambourines involved a lot of the time, and there’s often fun things like a bouncy castle sometimes they hire a petting zoo, or lizards, or other fun visitors. Bend and Stretch is an hour [each] Saturday that you spend getting the kids involved in playing games, singing, and doing some sports at one of the disabled schools. [The program starts up in Term 2].
Ally Voyles: What should we do if we want to get involved?
Anneliese Smolonogov: [You can] contact Anneliese Smolonogov (61154@cggs.act.edu.au) or Andrea de Vaal Horciu (andrea.horciu@gmail.com) for the info on programs you can help with!
Ally Voyles: And lastly, why do you participate in the organization? Why should we participate?
Anneliese Smolonogov: It’s super rewarding, and makes a big difference in the day of both the kids you’re interacting with and their families.
And, of course, the extra service hours couldn’t hurt. Sign up now!
