Local firie making a difference as a Host Buddy Volunteer
Discovering the joy he brought to a young boy by becoming a Pen Pal, Tarneit firefighter, Jack, was looking for a regular volunteering role when he discovered Gateways Support Services.
By writing letters to a local child about his life as a ‘firie’ at Station 57, Jack discovered his occupation put him in an excellent position to spread happiness.
‘There was a family struggling with lockdown; and their young autistic boy, in particular. He is obsessed with fire trucks, and my wife mentioned to them that I was a firefighter. So, I started sending him letters during COVID, and it grew from that,’ says Jack.
‘I was interested in doing something more. I Googled and found Gateways in Werribee, around the corner from the station, and they told me about the Host Volunteer program.’
Gateways Interchange Host Buddy program carefully matches a child or young person with a disability with an individual or host family to share their time with that child on a regular basis.
Jack buddied up with William, 11, and Julian, 8, who are both autistic, at the beginning of the year, and it didn’t take long for them to forge a friendship.
‘It is a bit daunting at the start because you are just two strangers, but you really do find a good personal connection. I enjoy seeing the boys and the whole family,’ says Jack.
For Jack, it didn’t take long to feel like a part of the family.
‘It’s more than just ‘I need to go’, you really look forward to it. Just making that personal bond and connection with them.’
Their time together is spent hanging out at home or getting out in the community, doing activities including a trip to Scienceworks.
Jack takes Julian to Gateways’ weekly Ride On program, run by occupational therapists, where he has been having fun outdoors and learning bike skills.
‘I thought that was fantastic. I could see Julian from where he was at the start, then building his confidence and making friends with other kids. That program is fantastic,’ says Jack.
Jack says that Interchange Buddy volunteers needed to be enthusiastic, patient, understanding, and good at listening.
‘There is no blanket or steadfast rule. Everyone is so different. And of course, being able to have fun with the kids is important,’ says Jack.
Jack hopes his story will encourage other people in the community who are in a position to help make a difference get involved in the Host Buddy program.
Gateways Support Services is currently seeking new volunteers to join the Interchange Host program. To find out more, visit the volunteering section of our website.
