Andrew Causer is a busy man.
When he isn’t working part-time at a car detailing company and looking after his grandmother, he is volunteering at Anglicare’s Food and Financial Assistance program.
He takes calls from desperate and vulnerable people in his community and schedules appointments so that their immediate needs can be met.
“I chose to volunteer for Anglicare to get more of an insight into the work done by community services,” says Andrew who started triaging calls for Anglicare last February. And it has been an eye-opener.
Andrew gets calls from stressed mothers, worried their electricity might get disconnected, to people who have run out of food before their next pay.
“At first it was a little difficult, but you learn pretty quickly it’s not about handing out food or scheduling an appointment. It’s about the extra help you can give along the way. I often tell people not to panic, that there is a solution for them out of their current situation.”
For Andrew, it is the very reason why he wanted to volunteer.
“I get to help people with everyday problems and the staff here are so encouraging and supportive.
“It is rewarding when you can help someone overtime and see their lives improve. It’s helpful to ask them how they are managing and more often than not, they appreciate that someone cares.”
Help is only a phone call away thanks to volunteers like Andrew. Anglicare would not be able to do the work it does without their dedication.
Anglicare will be celebrating Illawarra volunteers at a special morning tea at The Woolshed, on Friday, 24 May, 10 am.