It’s the conversations that keep Bendigo man Colin Magee volunteering for Vision Australia.
Colin, 67, is one of a small army of volunteers around the country that help Vision Australia to deliver on its mission to support people who are blind or have low vision to live the life they choose.
He has been volunteering with Vision Australia for 15½ years and comes in to assist at least twice a week.
He drives mini-buses that take Vision Australia clients to activities around town or at Vision Australia’s Bendigo day centre, and helps manage events like ten-pin bowling and swish, a modified form of table tennis with an audible ball.
“I wanted something to do when I retired from work,” Colin says.
“I enjoy meeting people and listening to all their stories.
“I just like talking to the people, the communication with them and having fun with them. They tell me about their school days, how they became blind, their work history or some of the hardships they faced growing up. You learn a lot.”
Vision Australia Bendigo regional manager Megan McDonald says volunteers are vital to her organisation.
“We’re so thankful to our volunteers because without them, we couldn’t do the work we do,” she says.
Colin says Vision Australia is a great place to volunteer.
“Just come. The staff are great to work with and you’ve got good people to talk to and work with. It’s great,” he said.
Interested in volunteering at Vision Australia? To find out more head to the Vision Australia website here, phone us on 1300 84 74 66 or email us at volunteer@visionaustralia.org.