Sam started volunteering with Bendigo Foodshare in September of 2021 as a part of Kalianna School Bendigo’s volunteering program. Upon completing school Sam continued to volunteer saying he loved “Being out in the workplace and helping people and communities… and just making some difference”.
In 2022 Sam started his Certificate I in Work Education and nominated Bendigo Foodshare for his work experience placement because; “I like helping people… I prefer community work and helping people in need.” Sam has a learning disability, but he doesn’t let that stop him from pursuing his passion to “work for a cause.”
Through working at Bendigo Foodshare’s, Sam has learnt new skills and built on existing ones, such as “memory skills, reading skills, and following instructions.” He has also developed decision-making skills when sorting fruit and vegetables; deciding which ones are good enough to eat and which ones should be thrown out.
Sam says that working at Bendigo Foodshare has made him more compassionate and understanding towards people who are needing food support and are down in the dumps. He thinks everyone should give volunteering with Bendigo Foodshare a go – so come along and lend a hand if you can!
