Two promote volunteering

Two local volunteers are promoting volunteering opportunities on the Peninsula for National Volunteer Week.

Woy Woy resident Mr Fred Leake is encouraging more members of the community to get involved.

He and Ms Janet Smith of Woy Woy have been volunteering with Woy Woy Meals on Wheels for more than 25 years.

They have also helped out Vision Australia and the Woy Woy Peninsula Neighbourhood Service.

"We get more out of volunteering than we give," Mr Leake said.

"It doesn't matter who you give up your time for or for how long,"

"As long as you have a willingness to help others, you will always find something in return whether it is friendship or learning new skills.

"I am not the sort of person who can just put their feet up and watch TV or read a book.

"I need to keep active and volunteering helps me do this."

Mr Leake said one of his volunteering duties with Vision Australia included accompanying two local women in their 90s for walks on most Saturdays.

"Janet and I have been involved in taking these two women out on walks around their homes," Mr Leake said.

"Not only does this give us a chance to get out into the fresh air but also lets us share in conversation about common interests including family, past career highlights and life growing up during the Great Depression and war.

"We are also looking forward to taking them to the Anzac commemoration service at Woy Woy waterfront since both have had husbands who served in the armed forces."

National Volunteer Week runs from May 10 to 16, and celebrates the hard work and dedication of volunteers in local communities as well as encourage other people to give volunteering a go.

Vision Australia is one such organisation who will be looking to recruit more volunteers throughout National Volunteer Week early next month.

"With the number of Australians who are blind or have low vision set to double in the next decade, Vision Australia requires the skills, talents and energy of our generous volunteers now more than ever," Vision Australia chief executive officer Mr Gerard Menses said.

Clare Graham, 21 Apr 2010 Interviewee: Fred Leake, Woy Woy Press release, 14 Apr 2010 Gerard Menses, Vision Australia