When Emma McTaggart was in Year 7, she decided to join a group of like-minded students under the guidance of Mrs Smith collecting grocery items for Hayley’s Cupboard, a programme linked to the Surfers Paradise Crisis Centre. Many of our MYP students will recall this opportunity Mrs Smith provides for our Year 7's in Term One.
Back in 2015, for Emma, on the day the goods for Hayley’s Cupboard were dropped off at the Crisis Centre it was cold and wet, and she saw first-hand the real meaning of homelessness. That spurred her into action when she decided to organise a blanket drive for the Winter Appeal - it received an outstanding response from everyone. In the same year, with Christmas fast approaching, Emma didn’t stop there. She didn't want these families to not experience a Christmas as she knew it. Over 150 emails were sent out to different companies. She wasn’t sure what sort of response she would receive.
Emma was constantly reminded by her supporters not to be disheartened if she didn't get any responses – well as it turned out, she was inundated with offers from well-known companies like Coca Cola, Darrell Lea, Kmart to Broadbeach Rotary and Bidfood – they all came on board! These companies today still support Emma in her ventures. The time that Emma dedicates to the Surfers Paradise Crisis Centre is truly amazing. She’s even managed to turn her parent’s shopfront into a point of call for donations to be passed on not only for Christmas or the winter months but for their day to day needs that we all take for granted.
Recently, Emma was nominated not once but twice by local organisations for her achievements and contributions to her community. Emma will be one of many local legends who will share the dream and carry the Queen’s Baton with pride in the Commonwealth Games Relay on the same day that the Games are opened. Emma’s service actions inspire others to be great.
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