Volunteer stories
Every day we are lucky enough to come across wonderful people who volunteer, here are some of their stories. Click on each volunteer's photo to read their story.
Ray Mahony - Stitches in time
98-year-old Ray Mahony is proof that you're never too old to volunteer. He crochets blankets for Wheelchairs for Kids, an organisation with a workshop in the northern suburb of Wangara. Wheelchairs are assembled and sent free of charge to children overseas who need them. Ray, who lives in Glendalough, enjoys the mental and physical exercise offered by this daily activity. He was taught to crochet by his wife Phyllis, who died last year.
Cynthea Pickrell - Bearing good news
Cynthea Pickrell is treasurer and keen teddy-bear handler of the Rotaract Club of Subiaco, whose community projects include giving the toy bears to foster children. A professional accountant, she says she's a volunteer "because I believe I was born lucky and therefore have a responsibility to help those not so fortunate. And I have gotten a lot from volunteering, including skills in public speaking and event organisation."
Rotaract, a non-profit international volunteer organisation for 18 to 30-year-olds, raises its own funds for other projects such as setting up a trust bank in West Timor.