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voluntary tale For more information about volunteering visit www.kokodachallenge.com/volunteers
Interested in becoming involved in the Kokoda Challenge Association as a volunteer? Fantastic! You may have a lot of questions, like “What can I get out of the process?” and “What kind of work would I be doing?”...
Q&A
Well take a squiz at our quick with Mike Stevens, a member of the Stevens family, who won the volunteer of the year award in 2010. His insights will give you more information about volunteering for the Kokoda Challenge. Why did you decide to volunteer for the Kokoda Challenge Association? Our son went through the Youth Program as a Kokoda Kid and we helped out as support crew for the kids. Then every year following, the family has got involved and helped out the Association. Once you experience the work they are doing first hand, you can’t help but want to get involved and help out.
Tell me about your role during the 2010 Kokoda Challenge? I helped out looking after car parking at Mt Nimmel Lodge and Polly’s Kitchen. Also, my wife did first aid at the finish line and I also did massages for competitors after they had finished the Challenge.
What was the most rewarding part of your volunteering experience? Definitely knowing you are helping participants but for me, I got more out of seeing the team spirit during the Challenge. Seeing the kids and competitors come over that finish line and the outpouring of emotion – it is pretty moving stuff.
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What didn’t you enjoy? I didn’t enjoy the abuse we got from some of the support crew when we were coordinating parking. Unfortunately, even though the parking arrangements are made very clear to support crew before the event, they believe they have the right to be there. Given the number of participants and support crew – you just can’t ignore the rules. Mt Nimmel Lodge is the problem because there isn’t much parking space. But, all you can do is keep your temper under control, continue with the job and do your best.
How did you feel about your contribution to the event? I enjoyed the experience – in fact I loved it! It is really a great weekend and I get so much out of it. I think I get more out of it then I actually put in. For us as a family, we all get involved – which adds to the experience.
What did you get out of the volunteer experience? Mateship, endurance, courage, sacrifice, seen in and by the participants. It’s a pleasure to help people and it’s a joy to watch people helping each other within the teams. The event really brings out the best in people.
Do you volunteer for other organisations etc? No. What would you say to others who are thinking about volunteering? Do it! It you are thinking about helping out – go for it and get involved. As I said earlier, you do get more out of it then you put in. The experience is something else and there are so many benefits for volunteers.