GREATER Dandenong volunteers were applauded for their efforts last week to celebrate International Volunteer Day.
City of Greater Dandenong acknowledged more than 220 volunteers’ contributions to enriching the community at the Dandenong Worker’s Club on 6 December.
Mayor Angela Long said their level of generosity and commitment was truly amazing.
“Volunteers make an enormous difference to people’s lives and give without expecting any reward other than knowing they have made a difference to others,” she said.
“Volunteers are an important part of building strong, connected and healthy communities, so it’s great to be able to bring them all together to acknowledge their very great contribution.”
They help the council through meal delivery and reading buddies programs to the Muso Network committee and L2P driver mentor program.
The Star spoke to Conn Christoforou and his son Peter in the lead-up to International Volunteer Day on 5 December.
They both volunteer for Dandenong-based disability employment service Gateway Industries’ committee.
Peter, who has mild autism, started working there as a 19-year-old and Conn joined the board six months later.
That was 10 years ago and the 56-year-old hasn’t looked back.
“We meet once a month and make all the decisions that have to be made about running the place,” he said.
Volunteering is a way of life for Conn, who’s also the Noble Park Rotary Club president.
“I grew up in the western suburbs,” he said.
“My dad had to work his backside off, coming from overseas.
“I didn’t have things handed to me.”
He said young people today, in contrast, were offered too much and it caused problems.
“I just think we’ve got to help them along the way,” he said.
“To see them improve themselves is one of my biggest things.
“It’s important that everyone gets involved in some small way.
“I encourage anyone that’s got a bit of time on their hands.”
Visit www.greaterdandenong.com or call the council’s Volunteer Program co-ordinator on 9239 5335 to find out more about volunteering.
