Volunteers are the backbone of our society, and during national Volunteer Week celebrations, local volunteers will be recognised for their hard work and dedication to the community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Volunteers Week in from May 21-25 and is a chance for the community to say thanks to those who help those in need.
Hastings Macleay Community Transport is a not for profit, registered charity who have a large number of Volunteers who help elderly people get out of the home for appointments and to run errands from Coffs Harbour to Newcastle.
As part of the celebrations, one volunteer driver, Ivor Carrick-Allan has been nominated for an award and he said he is overwhelmed by the dedication.
“I have been volunteering for nearly 14 years, pretty much since I retired,” Mr Carrick-Allan said.
“When I first retired I went a bit stir-crazy so my wife suggested that I get out and volunteer in the community and I have basically been doing it ever since.
“I think it is something that I keep doing because I enjoy helping others and doing something active.”
Mr Carrick-Allan said there is a great deal of satisfaction that comes from volunteering.
“I really enjoy getting out and talking to people, for a lot of the people I drive places they do not get out of the house much and for some I am the only contact to the outside world they have every week,” he said.
“That can be a special thing for me, so a few times I have taken the long way home to keep chatting to them and they just love it as well.
“I think if I win this award it will be recognition to all the volunteers what I work with because we all do what we do because we love it and choose to come and help.
“And I think that really says something about us all.”
As part of Volunteers Week he said more people should consider volunteering.
“I know I started volunteering because I suddenly had a lot of free time but I think it is something that everyone should consider doing.
“It can be very rewarding helping people just because you can, and I think younger people could learn a lot if they went out and volunteered even a small amount of time regularly.”
The Volunteer HQ 2018 Volunteer Award ceremony will be on May 22 at Panthers in Port Macquarie.