By VANESSA VALENZUELA
FOR more than two decades Alfred Scerri has donated his tools, time and handyman tricks to the Salvation Army.
The 71-year-old from Keilor Downs has been volunteering at the Brimbank City Salvation Army since it was established in the municipality in 1992.
After retiring eight years ago, Mr Scerri has spent most of his time helping out at the Sydenham Community Church where he visits once a week to help with fundraising, church services and maintenance work.
“I have had a good working life and I owe it to those people who were my mentors, and to the people that taught me things and shared their experience,” he said.
“Money has nothing to do with it. The payment is the satisfaction that you see somebody gain from your help, and somebody has a better life now.
“It means so much to them and that, to me, is like giving a gift to someone.”
Mr Scerri is currently working with the church to develop a new prayer garden and a Men’s Shed which he hopes will encourage older residents to get involved and pass on their knowledge to other members of the community.
“I feel sorry for people who retire and cannot adjust. That’s why it’s very important to me to get this men’s shed going,” Mr Scerri said.
“I want to get all the people that have a world of knowledge and bring them to an area, like the men’s shed, and get them to share their ideas with others and even younger kids.”
Mr Scerri encouraged residents to volunteer during their spare time and help make a difference in someone else’s life.
“Everybody should at least help someone or an organisation and it doesn’t have to be for long hours, because just a little bit here and there can make so much difference to the community.”
Mr Scerri 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
