A StormCo team in Mullewa.
Camera IconA StormCo team in Mullewa. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Taking towns by storm

Emma YoungComment News

The club, which uses proceeds from its weekly Bring'n'Buy markets in Maddington to support worthy community projects, recently sponsored five local teenagers to take part in youth volunteering organisation StormCo (Service to Others Really Matters).

StormCo volunteers meet their own travelling and other program expenses to visit remote towns and run Kids Clubs, healthy breakfast and lunch programs, games, sports, and community events including crafts, singalongs and quizzes.

StormCo began in Queensland and the first WA teams began 20 years ago with a visit to Meekatharra.

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Now teams travel to communities throughout Australia each year.

In WA, 80 to 90 teenagers aged 15 to 20 form four teams each year to visit Meekatharra, Wiluna, Cue and Mullewa.

Mentor Dave Rupe, a Gosnells resident who, along with his wife, has been with StormCo for 20 years, said the teams always consulted with communities on what activities were wanted.

He said the aim was to encourage youth to do without life's necessities and discover the joys of serving others.

"They learn what they can actually do without for a whole week" and (about) the sheer joy they get out of making themselves available, breaking down barriers and mixing with the kids," he said.

"The young people that came with us 15 and 20 years ago are now leading groups; it's great to see the leadership and development."