Volunteering is a family affair

Volunteering is a family affair!

Volunteering is a family affair for the Maloney-Hayward family of Wellington Point, involving Mum, Dad, their children and step-children every fortnight.

Russ Hayward had no experience working with people with disabilities until he began spending a few hours on Friday nights assisting a group of people with disabilities to get out and enjoy "regular Friday evening activities" including movies, dinners, seeing live sport and ten pin bowling.
 
Now he says Friday night "Rec Club" has become part of the family's social calendar.
 
Rec Club is a Home and Community Care-funded program offered through Clear Horizons at Alexandra Hills - which is a service of the nonprofit disability organisation, Horizon Foundation.
 
Rec Club Coordinator and volunteer Cyndi Molan, said the program created opportunities for people with disabilities to make friends and be active in the community, having fun and doing things that most of us take for granted.
 
The 18 volunteers, without whom the Rec Club program would be unable to continue, benefit from fun time spent as a group going to events all over town, including Broncos matches, Archerfield speedway, 'Christmas in July' and an end of year Ball.
 
"The atmosphere is very relaxed and sociable, and many of the volunteers have been involved for years," Cyndi said.
 
More volunteers are needed to spend a few hours once a month on the weekends, taking part in a range of social outings. Disability experience is not necessary and training is provided. Volunteers need a drivers license, as they use Horizon Foundation vehicles to transport clients to outings. If you would be interested in volunteering, please contact Hilary Maloney on 3824 8370 or 0408 024 418.
 
A report produced recently by Associate Professor Duncan Ironmonger from the University of Melbourne, had quantified the value of volunteering to Queensland. The Ironmonger report indicates the total value of volunteering continues to grow, increasing from almost $10 billion in 2000 to more than $16 billion in 2004.