12 minutes ago3 min read

Volunteer Vault #23

For the final time in 2024 we hand over the newsletter to one of our wonderful volunteers.

For November’s volunteer vault entry we share the words of Karim (below left), who tells us more about his match with buddy Rodney.

- How long have you been volunteering with Gig Buddies?

I have been volunteering with Gig Buddies for just over a year.

- Is Gig Buddies your first volunteering role?

No. I have previously volunteered with St Vincent De Paul as a store assistant and with their Sydney Night Patrol.

- Why do you volunteer with Gig Buddies?

To help make a difference in someone's life and give back to the community through supporting others.

- How would you describe your volunteering experience with Gig Buddies?

It's been great! I am very lucky to have been paired with Rod and being part of an overall community of friendly and supportive volunteers.

Lara has also being be very helpful and supportive, and I have enjoyed the Gig Buddies' events that I have been to so far.

- Tell us about some of the highlights from your time volunteering with Gig Buddies?

The highlight for me was when I was paired with Rod, I was very nervous at first, as previous volunteering roles were not as personal. Lara did a great job at making me and Rod feel comfortable, and it wasn't long before Rod and I met up to watch a movie and play some video games.

Rod is lots of fun to be with, very interesting, and really funny. Our regular catch-ups involve watching movies and having Mad Mex, with the occasional Xbox sessions where Rod relentlessly beats me up on the wrestling game!

I don't really see myself as Rod's "gig buddy" anymore - he is one of my good friends now and we both enjoy hanging out together.

- What would you say to someone reading this who is thinking about volunteering with Gig Buddies?

Absolutely do it! The Gig Buddies team are very supportive and friendly, and there are lots of fun events that are regularly organised.

This is a really great opportunity to make friends and make a difference in someone else's life.

"Absolutely do it!"

Thank you Karim for sharing your Gig Buddies’ story. Both he and Rodney are a perfect example of who we are, what we aim to achieve, and how we go about it.

The year that was

That’s it in terms of our vault for 2024.

This year you heard from the following volunteers: Jan, Jack, Grant, Nick, Maddy, Leanne, Fergus and Alvin.

Thank you to everyone for sharing your story and for informing the world of what Gig Buddies is all about.

The vault will return in 2025 with more testimonies.

Join the party

And if you’ve taken any inspiration from our volunteers, we’re always on the lookout for more! To sign up with our Sydney project click here, and jump on this link to get involved on the Central Coast.

And to find out more about our current openings, click on the 'volunteers wanted' images below.

Are you looking to volunteer?