Celebrities and Their Volunteering Journey on the Gold Coast June 8, 2023 by admin Golden Hearts: Inspiring Celebrities and Their Volunteering Journey on the Gold Coast As we continue celebrating the spirit of volunteering, we would love to share the stories of some of our beloved celebs from the Goldie and their contributions, known and unknown, to the Gold Coast and Greater Queensland communities. Whether it’s supporting local charities, organising fundraisers, or using their platforms to raise awareness for important issues, these celebrities have harnessed their fame and influence to bring about meaningful change. Their involvement ranges from promoting environmental sustainability and conservation efforts to volunteering in natural disasters. But it’s not just their high-profile initiatives that make them special. Many of these celebrities have also quietly dedicated their time to volunteer work, often without seeking recognition or publicity. The Hemsworth Brothers All three of the well-known Aussie Hemsworth brothers, Liam, Chris and Luke give back through volunteering efforts. Last year Liam and Luke got their hands dirty as they helped clean up with other local volunteers after the Lismore Floods last March. Luke particularly helped in piling debris whilst Liam went to clear out a damaged home. Victims of the floods, including local Ben Gordon, took to Instagram and Twitter to show their appreciation of the brothers’ support for the community. Chris Hemsworth, widely known for his roles in Marvel’s Thor movies, has been actively involved in various volunteering efforts too. He serves as an ambassador for the Australian Childhood Foundation, promotes water safety with Surf Life Saving Australia, grants wishes with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and advocates for environmental issues. Cody Simpson Whilst he is predominantly known for his music career, Gold Coast born and bred singer Cody Simpson is also a swimmer and is passionate about protecting Australia’s beautiful oceans. He became the first Ocean Ambassador for WWF Australia in 2020, where he helped raise awareness for the organisation’s Don’t Let Nature Go to Waste campaign, urging state governments to ban environmentally problematic plastics and instead promote eco-friendly materials. He launched the #PlasticFreeShop challenge on social media, nominating friends to eliminate unnecessary plastics from their grocery shopping, and is involved in research projects for green sea turtles affected by climate change. Simpson says he has also been working with the United Nations for years on protecting and conserving our oceans, and has a particular connection to the Queensland coast and its reefs, where he grew up swimming, surfing and snorkelling, and is determined to save the marina and its inhabitants from further damage. Lincoln Lewis Home and Away actor Lincoln Lewis is an active contributor to the Gold Coast community, having recently visited All Saints Anglican School, presenting to the Junior School students about determination, perseverance and resilience. Students reported that some of the actor’s experiences in life had motivated them to push forward to achieve their dreams. In 2021 he came together with other celebs and sporting stars to raise money for koalas to set a new record! Lincoln has been a great role model for Australian youth and we love to see how he has used his platform to inspire others. Margot Robbie Golden Girl and fellow Gold Coaster Margot Robbie has been quietly in the background helping charities and causes she feels strongly about as well as being honoured with one of the RAD Impact Awards. This was for her recognition of her advocacy and charitable work with Youngcare. Youngcare – who also offer free support lines and provide grants funding for young Australians with disabilities –Margot says sharing the award with them makes the accolade “the most special award” she’s ever received. “In the position that I’m in, I have this incredible opportunity to not just do more but have a real impact. So I’m very aware of that.” Mick Fanning Did you know that our favourite Aussie pro-surfer has been an ambassador for the Starlight Children’s Foundation since 2014? The World Champion surfer has helped dozens of sick kids’ Starlight Wishes come true. During Wish Week, he has hosted surf lessons on the Gold Coast for kids of all ages and abilities and has donated signed boards and surf equipment as auction prizes at Starlight’s fundraising events. In 2015, Mick helped open the Starlight Express Room at Queensland Children’s Hospital and has visited the room to deliver presents from is sponsors to kids and families in the hospital over Christmas. Even awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of his commitment to the community through Starlight. Annabelle Stephenson If you cannot already tell, we love ourselves a little bit of Home and Away at Volunteering Gold Coast. Joining Lincoln as one of the soapy’s stars, Annabelle Stephenson has always believed that a strong sense of community is what binds humanity. As one of our own ambassadors, Annabelle has been an active and consistent supporter of VGC and its community for several years. Their selfless acts of kindness and genuine commitment to making a difference, both in the spotlight and behind the scenes, serve as shining examples of the power of volunteering. Through their efforts, they have not only transformed lives but also inspired others to get involved and create positive change. If you would like to know how you can get involved with volunteering take a look at our website or contact us about it.
