Commencing his volunteering career with Brightwater in 2000, John began his role at our Warnbro community house for younger adults with a disability, and has been committed to the social and spiritual wellbeing of Brightwater clients ever since.
Not only does John provide his time, but his energy, patience, skills, knowledge and - ultimately - his passion, to benefit those living with complex disability in his local community, and overseas.
Following retirement in 2011, John and his wife Lyn visited Vietnam and Cambodia, and have now made the commitment to visit each year for four months, raising money for the benefit of underprivileged rural communities. The money raised goes towards building small homes, playgrounds, schools, and helps to supply transport, play and sporting equipment. John and Lyn’s volunteer work is extensive, with their main focus on teaching in schools for orphans and children living with disability.
Before John’s association with Brightwater, he volunteered across school boards, parish councils and sporting clubs in his local community. Now a fully-fledged Brightwater volunteer for almost two decades, John and fellow volunteer Erica assist residents with community access, providing the opportunity to explore local areas via weekly bus outings. John loves that a number of residents have been able to enjoy their passion for water through accompanied beach visits, and participation with the Disabled Surfers Association.
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Recognising that one’s spirituality is important to overall wellbeing, John accompanies a gentleman to Mass every second weekend. Brightwater team members, residents, families and fellow volunteers acknowledge John goes above and beyond to ensure that the residents of Brightwater Warnbro have the opportunity to live their life to the fullest, with dignity and respect.
“The people I visit are an inspiration to me, in that they are accepting of where they are at, and when I’m having a ‘bad day’, their company cheers me up no end. There is a great deal of mateship between us, and I truly see them as my friends, not just people to visit,” says John.
John has made, and continues to make, a significant impact to the lives of many through his ongoing commitment. We thank you John, for all of your undeniable enthusiasm, passion and selflessness, in making the lives of the residents you visit, that much brighter. You truly make a world of difference.
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