By NATALIE GALLENTI
SIMON Ellis can’t walk through the local shopping centre without being recognised but he is no publicity seeking celebrity.
The well-known Melton resident’s popularity is due to the sheer amount of voluntary work he performs year in and year out.
Mr Ellis juggles being a single father and running his own business amid countless of hours of voluntary work.
Currently he is a presenter on local radio station 979FM while also working with Melton’s disadvantaged youth at The Gap on Graham and lends a hand with the Melton Street Surfer Bus.
“It’s something that needs to be done,” Mr Ellis said.
“It shouldn’t always be about what you gain but just about making people smile.”
Mr Ellis said all the reward he needs for his hours of work is seeing adolescents and young adults off the street and offering them a brighter future.
“We put a roof over their head and feed them (at The Gap on Graham). As a community we should all do it.
“It makes a huge difference to their lives.”
But his voluntary work doesn’t stop once he leaves the radio station or The Gap.
“I’m always there for them. It doesn’t have to stop when you walk out the door.”
He admitted that he sometimes wonders how he fits it all into day to day life but wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I used to bring my six-year-old daughter Charity to the radio station when she was in a bassinet.
“You have to make the time. The more people that put their hands up, the more people there will be that are less needy.”
He said Christmas was a particularly difficult period for many Melton residents and giving up just a little time could help out so much.
“I’ll always put my hand up. You just need to be willing to say ‘yes’.”
Mr Ellis is a nominee for the Star Volunteer of the Year Award.
Each week a different volunteer will be profiled and a winner of the inaugural award will be announced 8 January next year. Do you know a worthy volunteer?
Please send details to star@starnewsgroup.com.au
