``Being an only child until 10 and having sick elderly parents even made it harder to enjoy,'' she said.

``I spent a lot of time alone as my parents didn't have the knowledge or the finance to meet a child's needs of that age.''

One day she joined a trampolining class held at the YWCA in Liverpool Street.

``I attended those classes for quite a while. I still remember how much joy it brought me and the caring people that were there, to give their time for that challenging part of my life,'' she said.

Forty-five years later, an ad in the paper for YWCA mentors sparked something in her head.

She said she remembered what the organisation had done for her, and wanted to give something back.

Since the start of the year, Ms McDonald has been mentoring Krystal, a year 5 girl at Ambarvale Primary School.

The YWCA began the In School Mentoring program in Macquarie Fields last year, introducing the program into Ambarvale at the start of this year.

Program co-ordinator Anne Dixon wants to train another 22 mentors this year to begin working in other local schools.

Ms Dixon said the program aims to improve and support growth in children being mentored through building their self-esteem, and social and leadership skills.

Adult mentors also benefit through gaining valuable experience and training, self-fulfilment from making a difference in a young person's life and satisfaction through seeing the young person mature and achieve goals.

``One hour, one child, once a week can make a world of difference to a child's life,'' Ms Dixon said. ``This program is really a chance for individuals to give back to their own community.''

Mentors undergo a TAFE course, Ms McDonald said.

``I'm hoping to plant a positive seed in their little minds for their future,'' she said

``I'm getting a lot of pleasure out of it.''

All potential mentors have a police check, a working with children and prohibited persons check, and mandatory referee checks.

Details: Anne Dixon, 46283300 or

ywcansw.com.au.