One of the newest volunteers to join Foodshare’s team of 250 locals working to tackle food insecurity across Central Victoria is Daniel.
Daniel has a long history of community involvement, having received an Order of Australia Medal for his service to disability and the community back in 2017.
For the past couple of years Daniel has been supporting our work through giving donations, but this year as restrictions eased, he knew the time was right to join the warehouse crew.
“I wanted to contribute to ending food insecurity in Bendigo, and to ensure that people have a more even playing field in terms of being able to access the necessities of life,” Daniel said.
“I thought I needed to give back to the community and I had some time to contribute.”
A talented graphic designer, Daniel is also lending a hand to design posters for our upcoming fundraisers, and is looking forward to getting more involved in other areas.
Volunteering allows you to contribute to making other people’s lives better and is a chance to give back to the community in a positive, meaningful way.
Outside of volunteering, Daniel works for Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited and runs his own business Speaking Insights with his father Daryl, where they educate the community on Daniel’s Autism journey from a personal and family perspective.
Daniel’s role as an Autism self-advocate has seen him speak to crowds locally, across the country and around the globe, leading to his OAM.
He said volunteering provides him with many benefits, from supporting the community as well as providing the chance to meet new people.
“Volunteering allows you to contribute to making other people’s lives better and is a chance to give back to the community in a positive, meaningful way,” he said.
“I’ve had so many opportunities given to me, so I need to give to other people also. Volunteering reminds you that there is a bigger purpose in life than just yourself.”
Thanks, Daniel – for joining the team, and for your many contributions to our community 
