Volunteer Barry Schmidt,
Nadine Toussaint-Hayes,
Jazper Toussaint-Hayes,
Geoff Toussaint-Hayes and
Nozomi Chishilo heading
out on the boat.
Photo by: Lauren Bickely
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(By Lauren Bickley and Yasmin Zeinab - Bond University journalism students)
Local families participated in kayaking, sailing and beach activities run by Sails, a not for profit organisation, on Saturday July 10, 2010.
Approximately 25 families took part in the event which was held as part of Delfin’s community initiative aimed at helping school children and their families be active over the holiday period.
Organiser of the event Russell McClue said Sails volunteers had been working with Delfin and the Varsity Lakes community for a number of years.
“Delfin have been really enthusiastic about having us here, they really like seeing the community out on the water,” said Mr McClue.
Volunteers Mr and Mrs McClue migrated from New Zealand in 2002 to establish a religious ministry and become involved in the Gold Cost community.
“We were delivered the word of God in a vision … he said we were to move to Queensland,” said Mrs McClue.
“God was calling us to go to the Gold Coast and create good in the community.”
Sails focused on using water activities to involve community members and their families.
“It’s about utilizing the gifts of Mother Nature [the lake] to benefit residents,” said Mr McClue.
Mrs McClue said the kayaking and sailing day was beneficial to the Varsity Lakes community.
“We believe to follow the life Jesus has asked us to do, we should be out helping people to enhance their lives,” she said.
“We are here to be a blessing to people … to allow children to experience new things and for families to spend time together.”
Varsity Lakes student Luke Hutchins said participating in the programme had given him the opportunity to develop new skills.
“I leant how to kayak and sail today, we don’t learn how to do that kind of stuff at school,” he said.
Varsity Lakes resident Sandra Soden said the kayaking and sailing day run by Sails had a positive impact on the community.
“I think what they’re doing is great, regardless of why and who sent them here, they have good intentions and it’s benefitting our community,” she said.
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