Volunteers

Volunteers contribute their valuable time and skills across many different areas to deliver much needed services and programs to the community. Officially there are over 4 million volunteers but it is widely believed the number is well over 6 million. The Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific recently recognised four of these amazing people who make a difference to the lives of others.

Volunteers are happier, healthier and sleep better than those who don’t volunteer – doctors should recommend it.

(Volunteering Australia - Key Statistics)

FOUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS

Kim Murray

Kim Murray (pictured left) has been volunteering at Gateway Care, every Tuesday to Friday for 10 years. Gateway Care is a Community based organisation that offers “holistic” support to the community to help meet real needs. Through practical support programs and services, such as the Food Centre and the Mens' Shed, they address social welfare issues to bring well being to the community. Kim has found community and purpose with Gateway Care, and gives so much to the people she helps each day. Unable to attend our dinner, Kim was presented with her certificate at her workplace.

Joel Archer

Joel Archer (pictured left), is founder of Hope Within Reach, an organisation aiming to empower and give hope to the homeless and struggling, in a real and practical way. Each week Joel and his organisation provide dinners across SE Queensland to not only provide food, but also community for those in need. They have a Winter Warmth project which provides blankets and pyjamas to keep people warm, and a Christmas Care project which not only distributes toys at Christmas, but gives people a sense of belonging at a time which can be isolating. Although they have fed and clothed many thousands of people, there is always more to do and many more people in need. Joel is receiving his certificate from Mike Healy, President of the Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific.

May Gowlett

May Gowlett (pictured centre) has been volunteering for many years with various organisations, and is currently volunteering with Blue Care Auxiliary. Blue Care is Queensland's leading in-home, retirement living and aged care provider. The Sunshine Coast has the last surviving auxiliary in Queensland and assists in providing things that Blue Care isn't able to do. As well as giving her time, May is always raising plants to sell to raise more needed funds. May is pictured with Rotarians Barbara Bailey (left) and Mike Healy (right).

Gary Hall

Gary Hall (pictured left) is one of the more than 250 volunteers with the Salvation Army in Caloundra. Not only does he serve, but he does it with 'great heart', according to his colleagues at the Salvation Army. Gary serves across all aspects of the Salvation Army, including doing the sound at church services, contributing to the Connect Centre for lonely people, forming a part of the Salvation Army Emergency Services team, and assisting with the Brekky Club which feeds over 700 kids. Gary mentioned that he is one of 30000 Salvation Army volunteers in Australia and he loves what he does. Gary is pictured with Mike Healy, president of the Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific.