Crossroads to Student Philanthropy

Pursue every opportunity you can

Zane Sharma wasn’t looking to become president of a university society when he walked through the stalls at O Week on his second day at Macquarie. He just had the mindset to take all opportunities that came his way. To say yes to everything and work it out from there.

This attitude, and an interest in volunteerism and philanthropy, stemmed from a service trip he undertook whilst in high school, with the Crossroads Foundation, co-founded by MQ alumna Sally Begbie.

So when he came across the Macquarie University Philanthropy Club (MUPC) and was asked to choose the cause he connected with most (which is how the club chooses causes to support), he impressed them when he chose Education and referred to the Nelson Mandela quote “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

“They really liked it,” says Zane. “And then they asked if I would like to be president of the club, and I said okay!”

With his good friend Harrison Knights as Treasurer, Zane built a leadership team and the club held a number of events, one of their most successful being Paint for Purpose which raised money for MindSpot (Mental Health). But when COVID hit they had to adapt and change, holding online events.

When things started to return to normal, the club focused on one of the issues which most concerned the majority of members – mental health of students, and the loneliness and isolation that many feel, which spiked during the pandemic. They held regular “Wholesome Hangouts” – where they encouraged people to meet them at the Ubar for free pizza and opportunity to meet and chat to fellow students. “Every time we ran it, it was a success and helped students to socialise in a friendly environment with no pressure or expectations apart from meeting people.”

Zane’s interest in volunteering and philanthropy began in Year 11 when he travelled with the school to Vietnam and Hong Kong to do charitable work with the Crossroads Foundation. “We built two houses in Vietnam!” he says. “It was quite gruelling work but very rewarding. In Hong Kong we did things like sorting clothes and goods to send to needy people around the world.”

When asked what advice he would give to students Zane says, “Pursue every opportunity you can, whether it’s handed to you or something you can actively pursue. Not only for the inherent reward through doing good, but also for yourself and for your own resume. You’ll not only be helping others, but yourself as well. It may be a little bit of extra work, but it’s rewarding and it’s fun!”

Now in his fourth year of his double degree, Zane is stepping down as president. But he will count the experience he has gained through the club, and the friends he has made through it, as one of the most rewarding of his university career.

“I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be the president of the Philanthropy Club. To do something good and have the power to make a difference.”