Belinda Doig
Volunteer since: 2020
Day job: Accountant
Tell us a bit about yourself!
This is my third year as a member of 100W, and I volunteer as “the accountant”. One of the advantages of being an accountant is that it has given me the chance to work in many places in the world, and hence I met my Perth born husband in the UK, where we both lived for a number of years. This provided many opportunities to travel, which is a real passion. Nowadays my hobby seems to be “running” after two teenage children, and planning the next travel adventures ! I also enjoy reading, hiking and the beach.
How did you come to be a 100 Women Volunteer?
I was introduced to 100W by the lovely Bianca Starcevich (Board Member), who I chatted too over many netball club games, watching our strong girls play in the rain. After five years of being on the local school P&C and running their uniform shop, I decided to take things up a notch by joining 100W. I have so enjoyed working with like minded women who all have inspirational stories to tell, and skills to share. I really appreciate all the interaction and events that we host.
As I work in a big corporate environment, volunteering at 100W is my way to give back and it really does feel very rewarding to be involved with such a growing community. I look forward to seeing the direction 100W takes and what change it can deliver in the future.
Which grant recipient do you feel most passionate about?
I grew up in South Africa, and went to University in Johannesburg, so witnessed first hand the fundamental change in the early 1990s when legislated apartheid was abolished. Growing up there truly humbled me, and seeing that raw part of the world lives with you always.
I guess that’s what drew me to the School for Life Foundation story, what an inspiration to learn that this was started by two Australian entrepreneurs who went to volunteer in Africa. Seeing the joy in the faces of children in Uganda and other parts of Africa, no matter what hardships they endure is truly heart-warming, and what the foundation does in giving to young girls the knowledge and tools to continue their education is truly life changing. Not only for them but generations to come.
I have seen first hand the damage that comes about when equal education for all is not on the forefront. In the words of Nelson Mandela “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”
