Volunteer profile: Gerry

How long have you been volunteering for Children First Foundation?

I have been volunteering for Children First Foundation for close to ten years. I had started to work part-time and was looking to volunteer on one of my days off.

Why did you choose to volunteer for Children First Foundation?

Coming from a large family (a family of 13 children!), I quite like being around kids. I felt volunteering with Children First Foundation would be a role I would really enjoy, and hopefully also help make a difference to a child’s time here.

Tell us a little bit about your volunteering role at Children First Foundation…

I volunteer one day a week at The Retreat. I basically assist with whatever is needed. It could be helping with cooking or housework, but my preference is always to spend time with the children – we have so much fun!

I love getting to know the children, and for the children to get to know me. I spend a lot of time with the kids by playing games, doing jigsaws, reading books and having chats with them.  

What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Children First Foundation?

I love the relationships that we form with the children, from that first meeting with an initially shy, anxious child to gradually building a bond that is truly rewarding for myself and hopefully, memorable for the child.Volunteering at Children First Foundation is very rewarding, and I feel lucky to have the capacity to do so.

What is your most memorable moment so far?

There are so many memorable moments almost every week, but when a child tells you she/he loves you, that is always such a highlight!

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

I live in Sunbury with my husband, Darren. I have two adult children, a married daughter and a son.

I work part-time in an Accounts role in Tullamarine. When I am not working or volunteering, I like to get out in the garden, go for walks and to read a good book.

Click here to find out more about volunteering with us.