Volunteering pays for out-of-work dad

ON TRACK: Steven Lonsdale is finding confidence working at the Wairarapa Resource Centre repairing items for sale and re-stocking shelves with shop pick-ups and deliveries. PHOTO/CHERIE TAYLOR

Finding himself unemployed five months ago Steven Lonsdale is now finding the experience of volunteering at a training store the perfect way to prepare for another job.

The 40-year-old father of seven, aged from 9 months old to 10 years old, is training at the Wairarapa Resource Centre.

Mr Lonsdale helps picking and delivering stock for the King St centre's store and repairs broken stock arriving in preparation for sale to customers.

It's one volunteer job he really enjoys.

"It's great," he said. "The people here are so supportive. They step up and help people."

He has gained a mile of confidence since working in the shop, resulting in him recently applying for a job as general maintenance man at Riversdale Camp.

"I've got a lot more confidence now - a lot more people skills thanks to working with the public through my job here."

It hasn't been an easy ride for him though thanks to a thief who pilfered his bike from outside the shop one day as he worked.

"I was really upset. It definitely used to get me from A-to-B. I guess I'll have to work to work now," he said.

Wairarapa Resource Centre manager Trudie Jones said Mr Lonsdale had become a big part of the team.

"He's part of the family. He's gone from strength to strength, from working on the truck to being in the shop where he is learning everything from retail to stock requirements, he's done really well," she said. "He's absolutely awesome to work with and have around. He's a real success story."

She confirmed the keen volunteer's confidence had soared since working at the centre.

"He's got some pride in himself now. He's definitely ready for a job."

If you need training for employment or can offer work to trainees please give Trudie a call on (06) 377 2090.