Every Tuesday morning, school chaplain Mark Holberton and a team of volunteers from Fusion Canberra provide free breakfast to school students from Melrose High. Kids are free to choose from a range of juices, fruit, milo, toast and pancakes. It is called “Fusion Breakfast Club”.
“Breakfast club is an opportunity to connect with the kids and give them something bright and positive to start their day with” said Mr Holberton.
“We want the kids to know that there are people who care about them and there are people that they can talk to.” he said.
“We ask a few kids each week to volunteer to set up the equipment and cook the pancakes. This provides an opportunity for the kids to serve each other.” said Mr Holberton.
“In serving others, we hope that they can see how they are making a difference to people’s lives.” he said.
Tom Eyles who is a Youth Ministries Worker at his church and volunteers every Tuesday said “It really changes the atmosphere of the school when kids come to breakfast club and become friends with kids that they don’t usually spend time with.”
“They learn that breakfast club is a safe place to hang out with friends and to meet someone new.” he said.
“They meet adults who respect and care about them and we hope that they pass on that respect to each other.” Mr Eyles said.
Mr Eyles gave a few examples of students who have benefited from breakfast club.
“There is a student who was very shy, and to avoid being noticed, he came late for breakfast. Now, he comes to breakfast like everyone else and he has really come out of his shell.” he said.
“Another young teenager helps with setting up the equipment and cooking pancakes. He has become a lot more confident.” Mr Eyles said.
“Breakfast club is not just about providing breakfast. We teach them to respect and build each other up.” said school chaplain Mark Holberton.
We are always keen to see new volunteers at Breakfast Club. If you like working with young people and don’t mind getting up early enough to be there at 7.50 am then we would love to hear from you.