VICTORIA DAY AWARD FOR THOMAS

Congratulations to Thomas Edwards on his well-deserved Victoria Day award.

Thomas has been a regular volunteer with IOE’s recreation programs for the past two plus years. He gives an amazing amount of time and energy to the program and is a frequent volunteer on many of the weekend and holiday camps and activities.

Thomas was presented with his 2018 Ferntree Gully Electorate – Victoria Day award on Friday, 29 June by Nick Wakeling MP for Ferntree Gully, and Kim Wells MP for Rowville. Not only was he a successful recipient, at the age 17, he was also the youngest person to win the award!

Volunteer Coordinator, Jess, says “We are delighted Thomas has received this award as he is a fantastic volunteer. We are always getting great feedback about how wonderful Thomas is with all the kids. As well as being engaging and heaps of fun he has a kind, caring and nurturing nature – quite exceptional for someone so young. He is also a favourite with all the other volunteers and is always happy to pitch in and help out whenever he can.”

Thomas has now taken on an additional role with his volunteering and is involved in the Volunteers with Disability Leadership Program which is a joint initiative of IOE, Different Journeys, The Misfit Project and Beyond the Book Therapy Services. He has approached this initiative with his usual enthusiasm and, working together with another volunteer, has organised their first recreation activity which is due to begin next week.

Commenting on the award presentation Nick Wakeling praised Thomas saying “… he is a very worthy winner.”

Well done Thomas from all at IOE