Meg Lane’s enthusiasm for volunteering and helping children is palpable. Retiring from a career in education, she wanted to stay connected to students and continue helping in any way she could. Meg has been an EdConnect volunteer for 10 years and has been mentoring three female students at Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School in Bunbury WA this year.  

Meg’s granddaughter, Tully Lane, has also signed up to volunteer with EdConnect. “My grandmother always raves about her volunteering experiences. She is very hands-on with all of us grandkids and loves sharing the activities she does with her students,” says Tully.  

At 85 years of age, Meg Lane loves a good challenge and likes the focus of planning activities for her mentees each week. “I don’t want to just sit around in a rocking chair. At my age, volunteering gives me a sense of purpose,” says Lane.  

Samantha Goodlad, Principal of Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School says, “Meg volunteers in our school on a weekly basis and is a grandmother figure to three of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged girls. One thing is for sure, we know these girls always attend school on a Wednesday and that’s because it’s ‘Meg’s Day’.” 

“Her influence extends beyond the ‘day to day’. The memories that she is helping these girls create will last a lifetime,” says Goodlad. Meg also checks in with students when they move, by visiting their new school. “I want to make sure they’re safe and happy and that they feel looked after,” says Lane.  

Meg Lane advocates for young people, as well as older generations, to get involved in mentoring students. “The children love young volunteers – young people have a real asset by just being young,” says Lane. When asked what she would say to anyone considering volunteering with EdConnect, “Do it. There’s nothing better.”  

If you would like to get involved with EdConnect to create your own memories and make a real difference in the life of a school-aged child, contact us today. EdConnect Australia supports over 16,000 students nationwide and organises more than 1,200 volunteers. Join the growing cohort of volunteers by signing up online at www.edconnectaustralia.org.au/volunteer or email edconnect@edconnect.org.au for more information.