When volunteering has the WOW factor thrown in...
When Amy Hawthorne from Basketball Geelong
came to Leisure Networks seeking assistance to promote a V/Line international
basketball event in Geelong, we seized the chance to link it to our Active
Geelong Program and promote associated volunteer roles to people with
disabilities.
The roles were ushering, and distributing programs to patrons as they flocked in to see the Australian Gliders (wheelchair basketball team) take on Germany and the Jayco Opals verse Japan.
We were mindful that
an evening (quite a late one too) would be more challenging with respect to
services providing caregivers, but that did not stop our sporting enthusiasts
from putting their hands up. People from St Laurence, Leisure Networks, and
Scope disability services, fronted up for an evening of hard work with loads of
WOW thrown in.
The first WOW was
being given a Basketball Geelong polo top to wear and to keep. The volunteers
all looked really smart in their black slacks, shoes and their new shirts. It
also made them feel part of the event team.
The next WOW came in
the form of a fantastic spread of food to make sure that none of the volunteers
went hungry. They were offered plenty of breaks and a veritable feast.
They did have to
work hard in exchange, taking tickets, giving out programs and ushering people
to their seats - roles that they all carried out extremely well despite their range
of abilities. Damien, pictured next page, must have handed out 500 pieces of
merchandise throughout the evening!
The next WOW was
being able to watch the last half of the Jayco Opals game and a win for
Australia from no place other than courtside front row seats.
And then on leaving,
the volunteers were all given a basketball to take home in thanks for their
extraordinary efforts – WOW!
Speaking about
extraordinary efforts, it is worth highlighting the efforts of the Scope
caregivers on this evening, as a best
practice example of carers engaging with their clients. On arrival it was
noted that both support staff had also come dressed in black slacks and shoes
and were keen and ready to volunteer alongside their clients. This not only
gave us 2 additional volunteers but had a significant impact on the enjoyment
of their clients.
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.