MAFS star Al Perkins' surprise career move as he gives up influencer lifestyle

Married At First Sight's Al Perkins has decided to turn his back on red carpet events and influencer parties to use his spare time for good instead.

The former carpenter has travelled to East Timor in Southeast Asia with his church to help the local community build schools and houses.

“I’ve come to East Timor on a volunteer mission trip to build a school here in one of the villages,” he tells Yahoo Lifestyle.

“We do that during the day and at night time we run a little program for all the little kids in the village to come play games and sing songs about Jesus. I’m here with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church where I go in Sydney.”

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Al shares that the mission is something he’s always wanted to do, especially because he’s been able to put his carpentry skills to use.

“I want to use my platform more wisely and give back by doing things like this and hopefully inspire other people to do the same,” he adds.

“Being here makes me realise we cannot complain at all in Australia. These kids don’t even have shoes and they’re the happiest kids I’ve ever met.”

Yahoo Lifestyle’s exclusive photos show Al laying bricks and helping with the construction, as well as face-painting local children.

He is also seen receiving medical help at the local hospital after cutting his hand open while working.

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Al made his reality TV debut last year when he was paired with Samantha Moitzi on the ninth season of MAFS, and went on to appear on Love Island Australia.

He has since launched a podcast Back to Reality with fellow Love Island star Taku Chimwaza, and went Instagram official with his girlfriend, TikTok star Hope Kelesis, in February.

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