Maddy is pictured in the centre (wearing a blue shirt) presenting donations to a local school she visited in the Philippines. INSET: Maddy pictured in the centre, along with other volunteers and children from the school she visited.
In July, Red Bend Catholic College student Maddy Morrison travelled to the Philippines with a group of seven teenagers from around the world through International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ).
The purpose of the trip was to volunteer in a rural village, support local schools and communities and experience a different culture while making a positive difference.
Before departing she spent months fundraising, and thanks to the support of family, friends, local businesses and the Forbes Community Maddy was able to raise $3,800.
Maddy volunteered in Tigman Village, two hours south from Puetro Pincesa on the island of Palawan. During her time there, she worked with local children and families, helping at the village elementary school and assisting with community projects.
Maddy said, “Thanks to the generosity of everyone who supported my fundraising, I was able to purchase and donate 60 school uniforms, 60 school bags, essential medical resources, educational tools and a new printer and laminator for the school.
“I was also lucky enough to be able to give a donation to my program coordinator, a young Filipino woman who has worked so hard supporting her community while preparing to begin university.
“One of the most rewarding parts of the trip was spending time with the children.”
The welcome Maddy received was something she said she will never forget.
“Everyone was so warm, kind and welcoming from the moment we arrived. The children were full of excitement and always greeted us with huge smiles and hugs. It was amazing to build such genuine connections with the community, it made leaving incredibly emotional as they made us feel like part of their family.”
Maddy would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported her fundraising journey.