Lots to gain from giving back

A DESIRE to give and the reward of joy received are what people who freely give their time to their communities are promoting ahead of National Volunteer Week.

Beginning Monday 18 May, the week will celebrate the efforts of volunteers who offer knowledge and support for the good of others.

As social activity volunteers for City of Ballarat’s Ageing Well program, Anne and John Williams can be found at Mount Pleasant Reserve every Thursday helping older people enhance their physical health.

Former teachers, the pair help others use the seniors exercise park’s fitness equipment.

“I just enjoy it because you just feel like that you are actually contributing,” Anne said.

“But you feel like you are actually gaining heaps as well, because you really get fabulous interaction from everybody and for the most part people are really positive about exercising.”

Both passionate about sport, Anne said that they get a lot out of the exercise.

“We want to impart that to other people, that even just the feel-good endorphins that you get, it’s so good for you,” she said.

The pair are at the equipment every Thursday from 1.30pm for those seniors of all types of experience and physical capability.

Meanwhile, Matthew Crilly is in the passenger seat for those who want to learn how to drive.

The TAC L2P Learner Driver Program mentor guides beginner drivers as they clock up hours on the road and gain confidence.

He finds great value in mentoring because he can help people improve their lifestyles.

“They can get to work a bit easier and have a bit more freedom,” Crilly said.

“They’re some of the things that really drive me to be involved with the program.”

He became a mentor a couple of years ago and said it was a rewarding experience helping people obtain their licences.

“I certainly get a lot out of it,” he said. “A lot more than I feel like I put in.”

Visit ballarat.vic.gov.au/community/ageing-well-ballarat and ballaratfoundation.org.au for more information.