Meet Ian, our Foodbank volunteer.

Twice in his life, Ian has packed up and started over in a new country – first moving from England to South Africa, and later to Australia. It’s an experience that gave him a deep, personal understanding of just how big a step is to leave everything familiar behind. “I firmly believe that all newcomers to Australia should be given fair and equal treatment,” he says. 

Ian is keenly aware of how difficult it is for people seeking asylum to leave their homelands and has been concerned for many years that their circumstances in Australia are often extremely harsh as well. “It became important to me to contribute to making life better for people seeking asylum,” Ian says. 

So, around 15 years ago, he offered his services to the ASRC as a volunteer. Back then, he was working as an industrial chemist, and he gave up chunks of his weekend to mentor clients.

After retiring, he joined the Foodbank, where he’s now been a stalwart for more than thirteen years. Ask around and you’ll hear the same things about him: hardworking, reliable, endlessly knowledgeable about how Foodbank runs and unshakeably calm when things get hectic. 

“I really enjoy the direct impact that providing food and toiletries has on the lives of people seeking asylum,” he says. “I also value the friendship of clients, staff and other volunteers, and the exercise involved in Foodbank work.” And lately, there’s been extra cause for joy: “I have been thrilled to hear of several clients finally being granted permanent residency.”

Of course, the work isn’t without its challenges. “It is not always possible to provide all the items that clients desire, but they understand that the available food has to be distributed fairly to all families in need,” he explains. 

“The Foodbank and the wider ASRC could not function without the work that volunteers do,” Ian says. He loves seeing the direct impact of their work every day he is at the ASRC.

As a further demonstration of Ian’s commitment to helping refugees and people seeking asylum, he spent several years volunteering with West Welcome Wagon, an organisation which distributes donated furniture, kitchenware, clothing, bedding and whitegoods to refugee households getting established in the western suburbs of Melbourne. “My time with West Welcome Wagon was also very fulfilling,” Ian says.

Beyond his volunteering, Ian enjoys life with his family, cycling, classical music and trips within Australia.