I’ve been a World Vision ambassador for two years now. My first journey with World Vision was to Mongolia in 2006 to deliver hand-knitted garments to children living in desperately cold climates. I visited hospitals and orphanages, met children who lived in sewers and other people living in conditions that are almost unimaginable. However, so many of the people I met were inspiring – they had a remarkable spirit in spite of the adversity they faced and they were genuinely grateful for the help and support that was being offered. It was a profoundly moving experience to witness first hand the conditions and hardships some people face and it also made me realise how we can make a difference to their lives through simple actions and support. I came away from that experience with a genuine sense of hope despite the enormity of the situation there, and globally.
StarKids aims to raise AU$3 million in three years for World Vision projects in key Jetstar destinations. Jetstar will be contributing through corporate donations and a workplace giving program. Additionally, Jetstar passengers are invited to donate their spare change to the project via donation envelopes on each flight. Sometimes people think that their small change won’t make a difference, but having seen first hand the great amount of good that can be achieved from a small contribution, I can assure everyone that it all helps.

I’m so proud to be able to support World Vision and an initiative like StarKids. It’s a great opportunity to be able to make a real difference to the lives of people, especially the children who sometimes need extra help just to survive in such difficult circumstances.

I’ve got two beautiful children who were lucky enough to be born in a great country like Australia, and it’s important for them to learn that not everyone is as fortunate. But more than that, I’m happy to show them that not only can we make a contribution to the lives and wellbeing of others, it’s something we should all be doing.

I love being a mum and I try to spend as much time with my kids as possible. I’ve just co-written a book called The Working Mother’s Survival Guide which is about navigating the process of having a baby and keeping your career on track too. Sometimes that juggle is pretty difficult, but you only have to look at your children to realise how worthwhile the effort is.

I think it’s important for all of us to remember that the places we visit on holidays are not just tourist destinations. World Vision’s StarKids program with Jetstar makes a very important contribution to the lives of children and families living in poverty in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and parts of Australia.

StarKids not only changes the lives of children living in poverty, but it also raises awareness about the issue and touches millions of Australians and Jetstar passengers from all over the world.

In the coming months I look forward to visiting one of the World Vision programs supported by StarKids. I’m sure the program is going to have the same inspirational impact for others as World Vision has had for me.

StarKids
Melissa Doyle recently signed up as an ambassador for World Vision’s StarKids program in partnership with Jetstar. The Seven Network’s Sunrise presenter is passionate about the initiative, believing it presents a wonderful opportunity to change children’s lives.

StarKids is the multi-tier partnership that connects World Vision, Jetstar and its staff, and the airline’s customer base of around eight million passengers annually. The program works to raise awareness and transform the lives of vulnerable children who live in World Vision project areas in key Jetstar international destinations, such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand, as well as indigenous projects in Australia.