Semi-retired cycling enthusiast Eddy loves the outdoors. So when a volunteer opportunity arose for genU’s Adventure program in Geelong, the 67 year-old knew he’d found the ideal way to help others.
“When I made up my mind to retire, the first thing that came to mind was finding some way to give back to community,” Eddy said.
“I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do. I just knew I wanted to free up one day a week at least to give back in some way.”
After a successful career in warehousing and logistics, Eddy was ready to make volunteering a priority.
“I’ve had a couple of serious accidents on my bike where I spent time in hospital and the care I was given was fantastic; it made me think about giving back,” he said.
“Originally, I thought I would do that, but I’ve made the right choice with genU.”
“I attended an open day and after Mick from the Adventure program delivered a few words, I thought, ‘this is what I need to do’. I enjoy a chat and keeping fit and active so I knew it was the one for me.”
genU Adventure has been giving people with disability the opportunity to participate in exciting sports, recreation and environmental experiences for several years. Surfing, bush walking, paddle-boarding, bush walking and cycling are some of the many adventure activities on offer to participants. The much-loved program has helped hundreds of locals achieve things they never thought possible.
“What am I hoping to get out of it? Fulfilment and giving back,” Eddy said. “I hope to bring a smile to people’s faces and for me to smile as well…I think it will give me continued development as a person. You never stop learning.”
Eddy encourages others considering volunteer work to look for roles that align with their interests.
“There are a lot of different volunteer opportunities at genU and the process to get on board is very simple,” he said.
“I’m also looking at volunteering for home visits to help people who need social interaction – taking people out for coffee, having a chat, going to park… I’m really looking forward to it.”
Volunteer with genU
Find out more about volunteer opportunities at genU. Volunteer support can be over phone, online or delivered in person at one of the following locations across Victoria:
- Barwon
- Mornington Peninsula
- Northern Metro
- Southwest
- Western Metro