Over his lifetime, Rod has volunteered across approximately 55 causes and charities, including founding one of his own. He is quick to shift the focus away from personal experience, saying, “I’m not here to list what I’ve done, because that distracts from the real message I want to share about volunteering.” For him, volunteering is less about individual recognition and more about the collective impact people can have in their communities.
Reflecting on what volunteering has meant to him, Rod shares, “I’ve been in volunteer roles that changed mine forever.” He emphasises the value of people showing up in different ways, noting that all kinds of volunteers are needed. Even when facing personal injury that meant stepping back from certain areas of service, he explains, “even so, I kept volunteering in other ways,” showing a continued commitment to contributing wherever he can.
Rod is not seeking praise, but rather a deeper appreciation of the role volunteers play. “I just think volunteers deserve to be seen’” he says, adding that “we need a wide mix of people to meet the needs of our communities, and every volunteer plays a part.” For him, the essence of volunteering is straightforward: “It’s about showing up, doing what you can, and leaving things a little better than you found them.” He closes with a simple message of gratitude and encouragement: “So if you’re already a volunteer – thank you. And if you’re thinking about it – give it a go. You might end up helping others, but you also might find it changes you in ways you never expected.”
