Matt’s Story
Volunteer Name: Matt Farrugia
How long have you volunteered with Brainwave?
I have volunteered over the past 2.5 years.
How did you get started with Brainwave and what attracted you to our work and mission?
Shortly after onboarding with Ferrero Australia I was introduced to Brainwave and was invited to attend a Gala Dinner Fundraiser with a table of other Ferrero guests. After seeing what Brainwave contributed to local communities and families, in particular the children with neurological conditions, I was eager to get involved. Through the Ferrero and Brainwave community partnership, I was then able to volunteer my time and assist the Brainwave team at events.
What was your first volunteer day like? How would you describe the volunteer experience?
My first volunteer experience was eye opening and emotion filled to say the least. It was at a family camp weekend at Point Wollstonecraft. I had put my hand up to help out for the day, I had never met any of the Brainwave families before. Upon meeting them, I learned that each family had a different story, as I got to know some of the families more, I was made aware of just how important the work of Brainwave is to their families.
What is your favourite part about volunteering with Brainwave?
The smiles! Seeing the faces of the children and their families light up with big smiles as they enjoy a day out together and away from their everyday routines is my favourite part of volunteering with Brainwave.
What do you do when you’re not volunteering with Brainwave?
I have an amazing network of family and friends who I love spending time with.
What have you learnt from volunteering?
Sometimes I find myself not always able to donate financially to NFP organisations and their causes, through Brainwave I learned that a donation of time can be just as valuable. My experience through Brainwave has made me realise a few short hours of my time as a volunteer is invaluable to Brainwave and is a huge enabler for the organisation to do what they do so well.
Any words of wisdom you live by?
Do things for people not because of who they are or what they can do for you in return. But because of who you are. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.