Mick Gale

"Some of those old faces light up like a candle when you take the time to get to know them." Mick Gale, 71 "I call the Hamilton community-based day programme where I help as a volunteer my second home.  Everyone knows me there and as I see it, those attending the programme are so special and they need to know it. I include everyone in the activities such as bingo and bowls. They feel good just participating, find they have fun and in my book they are all winners. The people who come here are from all walks of like, but I treat them like my family. I accept them just the way they are.

For myself, I get so much pleasure at seeing people come out of themselves once they’re involved."

Mick Gale is the same age as some of the people he helps at the community-based day programme. The fit looking Mick retired 10 years ago and has been helping as a volunteer ever since. He attends two sessions a week and pitches in organising activities, making morning teas and chatting to visitors. He brings in the newspaper each day and leads lively discussions about the news.

His reward is the great welcome he gets from his many friends at the centre. Many of those attending just like knowing there is someone who cares. Mick does care, so much so that he hates going away on holiday himself because he misses his mates.