Volunteer makes a difference

By Bridget Brady
CASEY’S prized young volunteer for 2009 says she gives up much of her free time because she is passionate about making a difference to people’s lives.
Devon Meadows resident Lidiya Hanin, 17, won the City of Casey Young Volunteers Award on Friday night.
The Russian-speaking Year 12 student said she was surprised and thrilled when she won.
“I was sitting there looking at what all of the other volunteers had completed and it was impressive, so I was surprised,” she said.
“I’m just so passionate about the way a little difference can change people’s lives. Just to see the positive change is great. To share my experiences with people might allow them to have another opportunity to also experience things.”
Lidiya is involved in a host of community ventures, taking up about 10 hours a week, and is a volunteer for scouts, the aged care facility at Kronstadt Gardens Russian Welfare Society, the City of Casey Multicultural Youth Group and is a Red Cross youth ambassador.
Not to mention she is a student leader at her school, Cranbourne Secondary College.
Year 12 co-ordinator at the school Moraig Vuurman said Lidiya was a sensational role model at the school.
“She has given up her time for the greater good of the community,” she said.
Lidiya, one of six children, said Russian was the language spoken at her home.
Her parents are Chinese, but the Russian culture from her grandparents was adopted at home, she said.
“We follow the Russian traditions and cultures at home. At home we speak Russian because we try not to forget the language.
“There are so many cultures at my school and where I live. If we can all share something it would bring the community closer together.”
Her family offered her excellent encouragement to support her volunteering endeavours, she said.
“I really appreciate the support I have from my family and the wider community.”
Lidiya said she hoped to study business next year, continue her volunteering and eventually work in event management.