Resident and client Gavin has a reputation for always putting his community first and taking pride in everything he does. For his kindness and hard work, Wintringham’s Western Co-ordinator of Housing and Homelessness Support, Tania Bezzina, nominated him to the 2022 Social Housing Volunteer Awards.
“Gavin will always go out of his way to help others, nothing is too much trouble for him,” Tania explains.
“Gavin is regularly checking on fellow residents that are having a hard time and is helping to fix things. When our housing site was given a grant for new furniture, but the order arrived in flat packs, Gavin offered to help staff by assembling them along with another resident John. It took them eight days of work from 7:30am to 3:30pm to put everything together.”
“Also, Gavin regularly washes the community bus so that residents are transported in a nice sparkly vehicle; or he assists with shopping duties for those who are less mobile or unwell.”
“In Autumn, regardless of the temperature, he is up at 7am vacuuming all the fallen leaves around the community room and hosing them down so residents can access the room safely.”
Gavin was shortlisted for the 2022 Social Housing Volunteer Awards and invited to the gala event held at the College of Surgeons in Melbourne on 1 March. There, Gavin made it to the top 14, an outstanding achievement! On the day, Gavin enjoyed lunch and was presented with a certificate for all his good work.
“We are very lucky to have him,” added Tania.