George with the painting he made with volunteer Melinda Kay. 80169 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By VANESSA CHIRCOP
DESPITE having a high paced career, owning and running a successful photography business in South Yarra, Melinda Kay still finds the time to volunteer once a week with Gateway Social Support.
With Volunteer Week just around the corner, Gateway is seeking volunteers to fill several positions at their Spotswood location.
For Melinda, volunteering for Gateway one morning a week is the highlight of her week.
“I’m an art tutor,” she said, “I just love it.”
After setting up her business Melinda made the decision to start volunteering two years ago.
“I was doing well and wanted to give something back,” she said.
She knew she wanted to put her expertise in art and photography to good use and a google search led her to Gateway.
The West Footscray resident hasn’t looked back describing the experience as her favourite thing to do.
“It’s a nice break from my other life,” she said.
“There’s no better feeling than when you help others – it really puts things in perspective.”
National Volunteer Week is the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia.
It runs from 14 to 20 May.
Volunteering positions at Gateway include community visitor, driver or jockey for planned activity programs, driver or jockey for the community food link program, picking up food donations and distribution and volunteer administration support role.
Gateway will hold a free luncheon on Thursday 17 May as a thank you for their volunteers.
For information call Gateway on 9399 3511.
