In this volunteer vault we hear from Sarah (below left), who tells us more about her match with Nalyn (below right).
- How long have you been volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Four glorious years!
- Is Gig Buddies your first volunteering role?
I have volunteered previously, in an admin setting. Gig Buddies is my first face to face volunteering role and by far the most wonderful and rewarding experience.
- Why do you volunteer with Gig Buddies?
I volunteer with Gig Buddies as I love using time that I have available to create positive environments and experiences for others.
In volunteering I have also found this has a reversed affect and all the time spent with Nalyn has been so much fun for me and has added great amounts of value to my life.
- How would you describe your volunteering experience with Gig Buddies?
The experience has been so rewarding. Initially coming into the volunteering role I was mostly focussed on giving back to others, not realising at the time that the person I was going to be paired with may end up teaching me more than I may teach them and introducing me to more people than I have introduced to them (anyone who knows Nalyn knows she is the Queen of social butterflies!).
The team at Gig Buddies are legends, which also makes the experience as enjoyable as it is. They put so much of their energy and time into providing weekly/monthly events that are exciting for all. They’re a really nice team of people who interact with everyone in such a kind and friendly manner.
This has been a life changing experience that I will treasure forever.
- Tell us about some of the highlights from your time volunteering with Gig Buddies?
There are so many but my first highlight was Nalyn and my first outing, which was a group Gig Buddies' event - a silent disco at Sydney Aquarium. We organised a meet beforehand where we had a yummy hot chocolate nearby; I was excited to see all the sea-life together!
We arrived at the event and I turned my head momentarily to say hello to someone, during which time Nalyn - thanks to her social butterfly skills - had disappeared!
I strolled through the Sealife enclosures with other buddies laughing and giggling, and there was no sign of Nalyn. We get to where the silent disco was being held, and lo and behold Nalyn is there, headphones on dancing with her group of friends having the best time ever! She then asked me where I had been, and to hurry up and join in!
This is definitely one of my favourite highlights as it fully showcases Nalyn as the life of the party, socialite, and dancer that she is!
We had the best time as she and everyone at the event made me feel so welcome!
- What would you say to someone reading this who is thinking about volunteering with Gig Buddies?
Absolutely do it! it will be an experience you will never forget.
"This has been a life changing experience that I will treasure forever"
Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your words. You’re a wonderful example of what volunteering with us is all about.
Come join the fun
Like Sarah and Nalyn, do you know someone who would benefit from joining our community? To sign up with our Sydney project click here, and jump on this link to get involved on the Central Coast.
As a reminder, we have a list of buddies based in Sydney and on the Central Coast who are currently looking for suitable volunteers.
By clicking on the 'volunteers wanted' images below, you can find out more about our current openings.