A MISSION TO HELP OTHERS
Tani Stubbs is a remarkable young woman who has overcome her own medical issues to give back to those less fortunate than herself
TANI Stubbs has worked to help others since she was 12 years old – but it’s been far from smooth sailing.
The 22-year-old law and business student has always been eager to lend a hand as a passionate volunteer, education advocate, and now as a youth parliamentarian.
But throughout her life Tani has been in and out of hospital due to severe anaphylactic allergies and a rare heart condition called SVT.
The Merrimac woman said her health journey had given her new lease on life to make the most of every day.
“You take every day like it is your last because things can rapidly change,” she said.
“So I have gone out there, followed my dreams, and lived life. I want to know I have left a legacy behind and did everything I have always wanted to do.”
The Women in Business Award winner, Gold Coast Young Citizen of the Year, and GC2018 Queen’s Baton Relay bearer is now giving back to “those who gave so much” to her.
Tani said the first thing she wanted to do at the age of 18 was volunteer for Radio Lollipop at Gold Coast University Hospital. She is now the east coast charity coordinator.
“When I was young one of the things I remember in hospital was Radio Lollipop,” she said.
“I know how important the organisation is so it is nice to give back to patients and their families. I like to make their time enjoyable, just like how I remembered it.”
She spends the majority of her free time giving back to the homeless, the disabled community, foster children, school communities, and women.
Before her 18th birthday, Tani had a mission to change the lives of thousands of students and encourage local schools to pass on their resources to schools in underdeveloped countries such as Tonga.
The charity, Everyone Deserves Global Education (EDGE), was founded after hearing students of Tupou High School in Tonga not having access to desks or chairs.
“I met with the principal of Tupou High School and he mentioned the students were working without chairs or desks,” she said.
“It opened my eyes to how students not that far from Australia so are underprivileged in comparison. I knew I had to do something.
“I raised over $1 million in school supplies, furniture, books and computers, filling six 40-foot shipping containers with equipment used to fully refurbish three schools in Tonga, benefiting more than 3000 students.
“A sister-school relationship was then established between All Saints Anglican School and Tupou High School, with funds set aside for students from Tonga to study at All Saints free of charge.”
Tani also helped rebuild a Tongan hospital damaged by a cyclone in 2013, sending two shipping containers of medical supplies.
Now the YMCA Queensland Youth Minister for Education, Employment and Training, Tani believes everyone deserves an education.
“I have always been an advocate for quality education and I hope I can give the youth of tomorrow a better chance.”
With Mother Teresa as her inspiration, Tani encouraged other young adults to get out there and find something they were passionate about.
“Follow your dreams and find your reason why,” she said.
“If everyone did one small act of kindness everyday our world would be such a better place.”