Guides leader spruiks benefits of giving back

For a Baldivis mother of two, volunteering has become one of the best adventures she ever embarked upon.

Kym Nugent juggles two part-time jobs and has spent the past three years dedicating 20 hours a week to volunteering as one of the founding leaders of the Baldivis Girl Guides.

Before taking on the role with the guides, she was heavily involved in her children’s P and C and said volunteering was never something you would regret.

“It gets you out in the community, you meet new people, it makes you feel good when you do things for other people and I think as an individual you can have such a positive influence,” Kym said.

Kym started the local Girl Guides chapter with friend Renee Stennett, and the group has grown to include six leaders, who support each other and 50 girls.

“I really like the supportiveness of it and the fact that it is women helping women and that we are having a positive influence on young girls,” Kym said. “Some of our mums who volunteer work full-time, part-time, study — it is possible.

“Find something you’re interested in and give it a go, it doesn’t have to be a big commitment, you could do something small for an event and it would still have the same impact on you and the community.”

Since becoming a leader for the Girl Guides, Kym has undergone a range of training and courses and she is responsible for various tasks, including managing money, paperwork, camps and reports.

“I think it will change your life for the better, there is lots of different things you can do and learn,” she said.