Team work … Husband and wife Dave and June Caines volunteer at several places, including the Iramoo Community Centre in Wyndham Vale. 64673 Picture: SARAH MATRAY
By Alesha Capone
WERRIBEE’S Dave and June Caines could be described as community treasures.
The husband and wife team volunteer at the Iramoo Community Centre in Wyndham Vale.
Mr Caines is the centre’s light exercise instructor and his wife assists with their monthly community lunches.
The couple have been included in an exhibition at the centre titled ‘Share the Story’, which features photos and stories from 13 volunteers including community lunch cooks, tutors from Iramoo’s writing, homework and computer clubs, a masseur and committee of management members.
Apart from his work at Iramoo, Mr Caines has also volunteered as a water and chair-based exercise instructor at Gateway Social Support Options in South Kingsville for the past four years.
“I was working in the disability field until age caught up with me, so I took up volunteering,” he said.
“It’s just rewarding, it’s hard to put into words why we volunteer. We don’t do it for rewards, you do it because you like it.”
Mrs Caines said she enjoyed “everything” about volunteering, especially mixing with people.
“I’m an op-shop girl, I also volunteer at St Vincents in Hoppers Crossing,” she said.
“We volunteer mainly to get out of the house, we shifted here from New Zealand and being in the older age bracket, it was a way to meet people.
“It’s just good fun.”
The couple, who have been married for 42 years, said life could get hectic with all their volunteering.
“It’s always hard to answer if some asks why you do it. We do it because one day, someone might be doing it for you,” Mr Caines said.
The ‘Share the Story’ exhibition is on at the Iramoo Community Centre, 84 Honour Ave, Wyndham Vale, until 3 June.
Contact 8742 3688 to find out more about volunteering at the centre.
