Christmas has come early for the Shooting Stars team in Derby.
Shooting Stars Program Coordinator, Kirsten Howard raised $7000 to purchase a multi-use trailer for the Derby site, that will help with excursions, after school activities and camps.
Kirsten has been with the Shooting Stars program since 2016. She was the first Aboriginal young woman to complete the Shooting Stars employment pathway, successfully undertaking a 12-month traineeship. She took on an Assistant Coordinator role in 2017 and has since advanced to Coordinator of the Shooting Stars Derby site.
Kirsten’s motivation for raising the money was simple, she wanted to give back to the Program that has given so much to her.
“I wanted to show my two boys that you can achieve whatever you set out to do, no matter who you are.
“I’m motivated to make a difference and I’m inspired by the work of Glass Jar Australia and the Shooting Stars Program,” she said.
“I want to support an organisation that has supported me.”
Kirsten worked tirelessly to raise the funds as a participant in the Derby Boab Queen contest, organising activities within the Derby area while showcasing the Shooting Stars program to community.
“I organised community events like a colour run, night markets, family movie night, football canteen and an Era Night Costume party. I also arranged raffles, 100’s boards, sold cheese boards that were donated by my mum and set up a Go Fund me Page.”
The Derby site has never owned a trailer, often having to borrow a trailer or squash items in cars.
“This will definitely help carry our equipment, camping gear and things we need to move around,” she said.
A big thank you to Mount Gibson Iron a new sponsor of the Shooting Stars program who generously supported us by transporting the trailer to Derby.
