CELEBRATING 30 YEARS WITH YOU

I’m David (left), and I was born in New Zealand and moved to Australia with my wife in 2005. Initially we managed a group of residential units in Northgate and during that time I returned to work in the insurance industry. I retired in February 2020 — 55 years to the day after starting work in New Zealand.

I had always wanted to do some volunteering in retirement. So, when our planned overseas travel for 2020 was curtailed due to COVID–19, I did some research and made contact online with Footprints. In mid-2020, I joined Footprints as a volunteer.

I have been assisting in the kitchen at Footprints in Fortitude Valley every Thursday morning and more recently I have joined the “Big Blue Bus” at Redcliffe on a Wednesday morning. The bus is part of The Stand Up, Step Out (SUSO) Program which provides practical assistance and support to the homeless.

I have felt welcomed and appreciated by everyone at Footprints, in particular Brian, the Chef who is pictured here with me (right). He is always grateful for what I do, even when I feel like I could be doing more. It’s a friendly environment where clients are treated as equals, with empathy and a real kindness.

Since being at Footprints, I have met some lovely people, and become friends with many of the staff and other volunteers. Being able to help others and keeping active in the community is very rewarding and satisfying. I am grateful for this opportunity and it’s wonderful to be part of such a welcoming organisation.

I have other interests but volunteering with Footprints helps complete my full self.!

Download a pdf version of David’s story.

 

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