"….one of the best things I have ever done in my life"
- Gig Buddies Sydney
- 2 hours ago
- 6 min read
We’re handing over the newsletter login details to one of our amazing volunteers.
To mark the final Monday of the month, we - as part of our volunteer vault series - are passing the mic to Ari (below right), who tells us more about catch ups with his buddy Dec (below left).
- How long have you been volunteering with Gig Buddies?
I have been volunteering with Gig Buddies for 1 year and 7 months (since being paired with Dec in December 2024).
- Is Gig Buddies your first volunteering role?
Yes, Gig Buddies is my first volunteering role.
- Why do you volunteer with Gig Buddies?
I volunteer with Gig Buddies because it became an opportunity for me to not only become the best of friends with Dec - but also attend social events (organised by Gig Buddies) together.
This has also provided an opportunity for me and Dec to do different activities when we catch-up once a month.
- How would you describe your volunteering experience with Gig Buddies?
I would describe my volunteering experience with Gig Buddies as one of the best things I have ever done in my life. I don’t know where I would be without it today if it weren’t for volunteering with Gig Buddies.
- Tell us about some of the highlights from your time volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Some highlights from my time volunteering with Gig Buddies include teaching Dec how to ride a bike, taking walks up and down the beach and attending comedy events together.
- What would you say to someone reading this who is thinking about volunteering with Gig Buddies?
If you are considering volunteering with Gig Buddies – do not overthink it and don’t hesitate. Sign yourself up as a volunteer – you will not only gain experience, but open up heaps more opportunities to attend different events on a 1 to 1 basis and through social events.
"….do not overthink it and don’t hesitate"
Thank you, Ari, for taking the time to share your Gig Buddies’ story.
Both he and Dec are a perfect example of who we are and what we do: tackling social isolation by matching up two people who share similar interests.
And we're always on the lookout for more people like Ari. If you would like to volunteer with us, look no further: to sign up with our Sydney project click here, and jump on this link to get involved on the Central Coast.
And to find out more about our current openings, click on the 'volunteers wanted' images below.
Are you looking to volunteer?
We need volunteers! Click on the image above for current Sydney roles and the graphic below for opportunities on the Central Coast.
If you have any questions or would like more information, contact us via Facebook or email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org
Let's get quizzical
We’ve sold over a third of our ticket allocation to our charity fundraiser.
As a reminder, on Monday 7 September we’ll be taking over the second floor at Surry Hills’ Keg & Brew Hotel - hosting our very own trivia fundraiser, with all money raised going towards reducing the cost of our Christmas party.
To help us raise as much moolah as possible, we’re inviting our community (and their friends and family) to join us for our very own battle of wits. Expect fun, prizes, giveaways and good times!
On the night we’ll also be holding a raffle. So far we have secured some amazing prizes, and this weekend alone we added even more - now taking the total to over $2,200 in value!
Why are we fundraising?
We’re currently working on finding a suitable and cost effective venue for our Christmas party. Booking a hotel that will host over 100 attendees during the busy festive period is an expensive business.
Therefore, to assist with the unavoidable expenses, we’re hosting our first ever fundraiser - and we’re calling on the Gig Buddies’ community to support us.
How do I sign up?
Tickets to our trivia night cost $12 and places are limited. To secure your spot (and to find out more information about the event), load up the link below.
Spring loaded
Our fundraiser in Surry Hills is in addition to the other 11 socials we’re hosting in September.
For the first month of spring you’ll find us in Newtown, the CBD, Chatswood, Olympic Park, Parramatta, Dee Why, Wyong, Redfern, Bella Vista, Waitara and Cronulla.
To join us at any of our dozen get-togethers, load up the links below:
All go in August
And as for August, we have 12 dates pencilled in the diary - two of which are now fully booked.
For the final month of winter we’re inviting buddies to join us in Zetland, Lisarow, Moore Park, Kogarah, Dee Why, Eveleigh, Turrella, Bankstown, Thornleigh and Penrith as we catch up for craft, trivia, AFL, NRL, dinners, live dance, paintball, UFC, mini golf and the Penrith Show.
To join us at any of our August outings (or to find out more information about each event), jump on the links above.
Please note, our ice hockey and line dancing gatherings are both fully booked.
And if you have questions about any of our forthcoming events, get in touch: we can be reached via Facebook Messenger, email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or via text or phone call on 0411 252 228.
Are you in the market for Gig Buddies’ merchandise? Our new and exclusive range of swag has landed!
Click on the image above to get your fill on Gig Buddies goodies. If we haven’t got the size you’re after, get in touch via Facebook Messenger.
Ready to go
We’ve got two newly prepped volunteers to introduce.
We’re excited to have two new matches in the pipeline, but firstly we want to say thank you to Harry (right) and Keith (left) for joining us on Zoom for training.
Changes within
We at GB HQ have made the decision to discontinue the Twitter (X) accounts of Gig Buddies Sydney, Gig Buddies Central Coast and our parent company, ACL Disability Services.
Moving forward, we’re wanting to focus our engagement levels on platforms where we have a greater presence, mainly Facebook and Instagram - and we encourage all current Twitter followers’ to join us.
We will discontinue the three Twitter (X) accounts on Friday 7 August. If you would like to connect with and follow us via Facebook and Instagram, load up the links above.
GSS volunteers needed!
And lastly, our new Group Social Support (GSS) opportunity is up and running and, thanks to our wonderful cohort of dedicated volunteers, we’ve been able to increase participant numbers at the majority of our recent social events.
We want to take this moment to say a huge ‘THANK YOU’ to all current GSS volunteers for their ongoing commitment. They, just like our traditional type of volunteer, are absolute legends in our eyes!
The good news: we are still looking for more volunteers to join our GSS pool - in particular, we need people who reside in Greater Western Sydney, Western Sydney and the Central Coast.
If you are a current or prospective volunteer and live in one of the areas listed above, get in touch with us on info@gigbuddiessydney.org or call 0412 145 819.
Alternatively, if you would like to know more about our GSS opportunity, load up the following link.
Matthew: Central Coast coordinator (0402 708 814)
Carol: CEO (02 9419 6951)
Chelsea: NDIS coordinator (0412 145 819)
Tony: Funding and sponsorship coordinator (02 9419 6951)
Bec: Project officer, Sydney (0411 252 228)
Aylin: Western Sydney coordinator (0466 389 961)
Lara: Greater Western Sydney coordinator (0478 045 121) Charlotte: Northern Beaches coordinator (0403 184 404)
Would you like more information about Gig BuddiesSydney? You’re only a click away. Connect with us via the links below.
Fancy revelling in legendary status? If so, please support us in our cause to get more people out to live events in Sydney.
Donations over $2 are tax deductible and all are gratefully received.
The Gig Buddies Sydney project is an initiative of ACL Disability Services.
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