Wyndham firefighter Jack is bringing joy to a pair of young brothers in his role as a volunteer with Gateways Support Services.
Jack, who is based at the Tarneit fire station, said that during the pandemic he became pen pals with a boy who has autism.
“There was a family struggling with lockdown and their young autistic boy, in particular,” Jack said,
“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.”
This positive experience led to Jack deciding he would like to do more community work outside of his job.
An internet search led to Jack finding out about Gateways Support Services, a not-for-profit community organisation with offices in Werribee, Footscray, Geelong and Warrnambool.
Jack decided to join the Gateways Interchange Host Buddy program, which matches a child or young person with a disability, with an individual or host family to regularly spend time with.
Jack has been “buddied up” with siblings William, 11, and Julian, eight, who are both autistic, since the beginning of the year.
“It is a bit daunting at the start because you are just two strangers, but you really do find a good personal connection,” Jack said.
Jack said he would encourage other Wyndham residents to become volunteers with the Interchange Host Buddy program.
He said people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds could volunteer.
’There is no blanket or steadfast rule, everyone is so different,” he said.
“And of course, being able to have fun with the kids is important.”
Details: www.gateways.com.au/get-involved/volunteering/interchange-program-host
