Volunteer Hero of the week – Kirsten Burow

Kirsten Burow with Rocket.

In this weekly off-season feature we profile a club recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award to highlight the incredible work our volunteers do so that others can enjoy their footy.

This week’s Volunteer Hero is Kirsten Burow from the Coffs Breakers Seniors where she is the Canteen Manager.

What do you love about volunteering?

I have been volunteering in so many different roles for around 35 years. I love doing it because I enjoy helping wherever I can and also the great network of friends that you make along the way. As well as helping with the Breakers AFL club I also volunteer doing patrols with Surf Life Saving.

What’s your favourite volunteering moment?

There are so many favourite volunteering moments. Top ones would be being involved with fundraising game days that helped raise money for different really worthwhile organisations. I also loved helping out at the BCU Triathlons where the footy club provided marshalls and other roles.

What skills has volunteering helped you to develop?

I  feel it’s my life skills and employment skills that I could bring into volunteering to help but I have had the opportunity to gain a few different certificates I wouldn’t have thought of getting if not for volunteering.

How does your club support new volunteers?

My club is always very welcoming of new volunteers and supports them in every way so that they feel like they’re a valued part of the club they’ve joined.

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about volunteering?

Do it, you feel great for doing it and won’t regret it. There is lots of work behind the scenes and many hands make like work.

In what areas will your club be looking for help in 2020?

We’re always looking for ways to build a greater club and to help train people to jump in to help if someone becomes unavailable.

What do you love most about your footy club?

I love my footy club for the great people involved in it and the friends I’ve made over the years. Jay (President) has a great roster system so everyone has a turn of helping out from setting up, running water, canteen duties, and packing up. It’s been a great success and brings everyone in feeling more connected to the club. I love the great group of juniors that always put their hand up to help and never ask for anything in return.

The Coffs Harbour Breakers can be contacted at coffsharbourbreakers@yahoo.com if you would like to volunteer or need info on any other aspect of the club.