THIS year, giving back through volunteering is more important than ever, according to Gordon Lawrence, a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Redlands Bayside.
With more than 20 years of service in Rotary, Mr Lawrence emphasises that volunteering not only strengthens community bonds but also fosters confidence and lasting friendships.
As a long-standing advocate for service, he believes that active participation in local clubs is the key to creating a more connected and fulfilled society.
“The volunteering ethos is the backbone of any community,” he said.
“Volunteering through these sorts of service groups gives you the chance to do some good and to contribute back.
“It also garners friendship. It is a huge addition to my life.”
Mr Lawrence said he was concerned at the drop-off in volunteering numbers in many service groups.
“We used to have a membership of 30. Now we have 10 or 12,” he said.
“It’s symptomatic of many groups.
“I think younger people are pushed just to pay their mortgage and put food on the table, so they think this is not the time to be involved in voluntary work.
“This is the bastion of retirees or those on the cusp of retiring – people who are keen to give back to their community.”
Mr Lawrence said there were so many lonely people who would enjoy making friends and be able to get that satisfaction in giving back.
“There is a perception that they must commit time and money,” he said.
“You can be a friend of Rotary where you can work on projects at no personal cost.”
Mr Lawrence describes himself as a “Joe Blow” kind of person, who has found his identity through helping people less fortunate.
He has run the Rotary swim-a-thons for the past 14 years and raised more than $300,000 through this project.
Last year’s fund-raising recipient was the Redland Community Centre, which purchased a solar system.
“I get a lot out of it. Being involved helps your well-being and you make a few friends,” he said.
“But most of all there is enormous pleasure in giving to those less fortunate.
“By telling my story, I want to allay any fears or anxieties people might have about being involved (in volunteering).
“If you can change one life in the world, this is the first step to changing a community in a positive way.”
