Global recognition for Kiwanis Sunrisers

DOING IT ALL FOR THE KIDS...Wanting to combat the rise of childhood obesity and to promote healthy food choices as well as the joys of physical activity, the Kiwanis Club of Shepparton Sunrisers have developed the Sprout Healthy Lifestyle Garden and Outdoor Education Centre over the last five years. A signature project for the club, the centre is a veritable eden of sensory bush tucker and exotic plants as well a shaded place for children, families and community groups to enjoy outdoor activities. Nominated in the top ten clubs amongst a pool of 425 globally for their signature project, the Sunrisers are in the running to win the coveted Kiwanis International Signature Project Award in June. Pictured is Kiwanis Sunrisers president, Joe Sibio with club member, Felicity Butcher. Photo: Natasha Fujimoto

DEDICATED to improving the lives of children, Kiwanis is a global organisation of volunteers that raises more than $100M annually, sponsoring over 150, 000 community service projects.

With more than 7,000 clubs worldwide, the Kiwanis Club of Shepparton Sunrisers has recently achieved a remarkable feat, being nominated amongst the top ten clubs internationally for their Signature Project, the Sprout Healthy Lifestyle Garden and Outdoor Education Centre, which is located adjacent to KidsTown.

Nominated amongst a pool of 425 clubs of a similar size (with 30 or less members) the Sunrisers are in the running to win the coveted Kiwanis International Signature Project Award in June, when the top three medallists will be announced in Indianapolis.

DOING IT ALL FOR THE KIDS…Wanting to combat the rise of childhood obesity and to promote healthy food choices as well as the joys of physical activity, the Kiwanis Club of Shepparton Sunrisers have developed the Sprout Healthy Lifestyle Garden and Outdoor Education Centre over the last five years. A signature project for the club, the centre is a veritable eden of sensory bush tucker and exotic plants as well a shaded place for children, families and community groups to enjoy outdoor activities. Nominated in the top ten clubs amongst a pool of 425 globally for their signature project, the Sunrisers are in the running to win the coveted Kiwanis International Signature Project Award in June. Pictured is Kiwanis Sunrisers president, Joe Sibio with club member, Felicity Butcher. Photo: Natasha Fujimoto

Seeing great potential in a long-abandoned community garden and with the steely determination to tackle the fight against childhood obesity, the Sunrisers began developing ‘Sprout’ five years ago.

With unhealthy food choices, a lack of physical activity and family eating habits all contributing to the high propensity of overweight school children in the region, the Sunrisers have created a veritable Eden of sensory garden beds and interactive educational displays and shade space perfect for families and community groups to enjoy as they make the most of the extensive resources made available in the onsite shipping container.

Now a hive of healthy and vibrant activity and education, the edible natives and exotics that thrive in the poly tunnel have attracted all manner of community groups including bush kinder, primary schools and so much more.

Seeing endless possibilities for Sprout, Kiwanis volunteer Felicity Butcher said,

“During Covid the project kept the club together as we worked outside, and Sprout has really given us something to be proud of, making a difference for, and in educating children.”

Kiwanis meets at 7am every first and third Thursday of the month and if you are interested in joining or would like more information, please message Joe Sibio on 0459213181 or email, joenola@hotmail.com.

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