Family volunteers needed in North West Melbourne

Very Special Kids is holding a special volunteer information session in Brunswick to meet the growing need for Family Support Volunteers in North West Melbourne.

There are 25 families on the waiting list from the North West regions of Melbourne. Family Support Volunteers assist in four different ways: in the family home, when the child is admitted to hospital, when the child is at Very Special Kids House and by participating in program activities, such as Sibling Days.

Every Family Support Volunteer completes a 27 hour training program to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to support families who have a child with a life-threatening condition.

Those interested in volunteering can attend an information session at the Brunswick Town Hall on Tuesday 17 February 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

The Ellul’s, a family of six from Craigieburn, love having the support of their volunteer Sam Fahnles. Thirteen-year-old Ricky has neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition that causes tumors to develop wherever there are nerve cells. The condition has left Ricky legally blind.

Sam went through the volunteer training in 2014, and now helps the Ellul’s by taking Ricky out on weekend adventures, including his favourite activity tenpin bowling.

Read Ricky and Sams’ story in the Hume Leader.