Penrith Panthers player Tim Browne says Healthy Harold inspired him to live well
Penrith Panters player Tim Browne was among the generations of Aussie schoolkids inspired by Life Education mascot healthy Harold to eat well and avoid drugs.
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GENERATIONS of Australian schoolkids have learned the importance of eating nutritious foods and the dangers of drugs from a friendly puppet giraffe called Healthy Harold.
Penrith Panthers footballer Tim Browne was one of them.
He remembers sitting in the mobile van and just waiting for that moment Healthy Harold appeared to spread important messages on health.
The Life Education mascot teaches about 280,000 students aged five to 13 across NSW each year about making healthy choices in areas of drugs and alcohol, cyber-safety, lifestyle and bullying as part of the travelling educational program.
The program has been running for 37 years with 44 mobile learning centres and 60 specially trained educators.
“I remember seeing him when I was a kid and it planted a seed in my head – I’ve never tried drugs, and I don’t like drinking,” Browne, 29, said.
“Harold inspired me to be healthy. I want other kids to have that same opportunity.”
Browne is a volunteer for the health and safety provider and gives talks to children on being fit and healthy at Life Education events.
“I want to get the message out to kids that health is important,” he said.
“If you smoke and drink all the time and have lots of late nights, it’s going to catch up with you and you won’t be able to do the things you want to do.
“Technology is huge and kids aren’t outside exercising as much. There are also new challenges for kids with cyber bullying.”
Browne and Healthy Harold will be supporting DoSomething Day on July 19, which is Australia’s biggest celebration of volunteering in our communities, recognising the extraordinary contributions made by everyday locals.
It seeks to inspire people to make a difference and give back by volunteering, making a donation or carrying out a simple random act of kindness.
“On DoSomething Day, I’m planning to spend time training some of the younger players and I encourage other people to give back to their communities by volunteering or donating to charities such as Life Education,” Browne said.
On the day, Healthy Harold will be preparing a healthy snack for the Life Education team after their busy back-to-school rush.
Life Education NSW chief executive Kellie Sloane said volunteers were a vital part of the organisation and deserving of recognition, not just on DoSomething Day, but all year round.
“We have many volunteers around the state who work tirelessly to support and promote our organisation,” Ms Sloane said.
“As a not for profit organisation, we rely on the generosity of the many people and businesses who support us and help us to make a difference in kids’ lives.”
Clubs NSW supports Life Education
ClubsNSW provides funding for Life Education through the ClubGrants Scheme.
“ClubsNSW is proud to support the great work Life Education NSW does in our schools, teaching young people about the danger of drugs and the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices,” ClubsNSW chairman Peter Newell said.
“That’s why scores of registered clubs across the state have thrown their support behind this wonderful organisation, ensuring that their positive messages can be heard by as many NSW school students as possible.”
WHAT IS DO SOMETHING DAY?
Do Something Day on July 19 is Australia’s biggest celebration of volunteering in our communities, recognising the extraordinary contributions made by everyday locals. It seeks to inspire people to make a difference and give back by volunteering, making a donation or carrying out a simple random act of kindness.
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
There are endless ways you can help others - and you don’t need to wait until Dosomething Day to start. However, as July 19 is the focal point of this celebration, it would be great to turn your attention to it on that day. Let the “kind-o-miser” generate a kind deed sugestion for you to do. Try our Do Something Day Quiz which will help match you with a charity that reflects your ideals.
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Tweet, Instagram or Facebook a picture that captures the spirit of kindness and generosity on Do Something Day - and use the hashtags #dosomethingday and #giveyourbest. It could be a picture of a volunteers at charity you are already involved with. It could be a picture acknowleding someone in your community who selflessly works for others. It could be a snap of the nice person who serves your coffee every day with a smile. so many ways to to acknowledge the kindness in our community.
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