Volunteers across Armadale were celebrated last week with a campaign by the City of Armadale to recognise their efforts and share them with the community.
One local volunteer Chris Cairns goes above and beyond for local residents and organisations.
Ms Cairns has volunteered with the Roleystone Bushfire Brigade for 26 years, spending 15 of those as an active firefighter as well as volunteering for Bushfire Ready in Roleystone to educate residents on fire safety and how to form evacuation plans.
“I also volunteer at the Roleystone family centre and Minnawarra House as well,” Ms Cairns said.
“I love meeting people and I feel as though people who volunteer get more out of volunteering than they give because it gives us such a feeling of worth that we’re out there helping people.”
Previously Ms Cairns also volunteered with a group called Animal Companions who take their pets to nursing homes to give residents some company.
“That was once a fortnight,” she said.
“But the fire brigade is when it’s needed, and for the family centre I am on the committee so we visit once a month but I go up there during the week to help out with whatever is needed.”
Ms Cairns also works with disabled people in Roleystone, helping to form plans for evacuation so they aren’t left stranded during emergencies.
“I now work with disabled people to help them form an evacuation plan specifically to their needs,” she said.
“I work with their carers and agencies to do this.”
If anyone needs help with forming evacuation strategies for their disabled parents, neighbours or clients, Ms Cairns urges them to phone her on 0417 983 019.
