“He literally doesn’t have any time off,” said store manager, Mandy Sunderland.
“Kaz gives up seven days a week to be here; he doesn't have sick days and he doesn't take holidays
“I had to force him to take two days off to go to his daughter's wedding.
“He is a fundamental part of our team.”
Kaz is a quiet, humble man of few words, who takes a lot of pride in his work at Vinnies.
He said his enjoyment stems from not only giving back to the community, but so people can reuse things, and to try and stop wastage.
This week is National Volunteer Week, which recognises the efforts of many Australians who selflessly give back to their communities.
Vinnies Yarrawonga has 23 volunteers, who all lend a hand to positively impact this community through the charitable organisation.
Mandy said the store was completely dependent on volunteers.
“We couldn't run without them; we just couldn't function,” she said.
“They feel as if it's their safe space, a place of belonging, a place of meeting and networking with new people.”
“They feel as if it's their safe space, a place of belonging, a place of meeting and networking with new people.
“They feel like they're doing something positive in their community by helping those in need.”
Volunteers Linda Fitton, Fiona O’Connell, Margaret Brady, Joan Tufvesson and Kaz Pavlovsky all said they volunteer for the same reason, to experience the enjoyment that comes from helping people.
Vinnies Yarrawonga is inviting anyone who would like to join their team of volunteers to call in to the store and speak to Mandy.
Did you know?
According to the 2021 census, 2.9 million Australians volunteer each year.
Nationwide in 2023-24, Vinnies provided 809,299 meals to those in need, and raised more than $20.5 million towards goodwill assistance.
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