Category: Community North (Special Commendation)
Recipient: Trevor Oddy
Background
Despite being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 30 years ago and being wheelchair bound for the last 10 years, Trevor Oddy has an ongoing passion and commitment to serving the community. While his children were still at school he volunteered to support the school choir and coached girls and boys softball teams. This nomination relates to his contribution to the Morshead Home.
Scope of Work
Trevor visits the residents at the Morshead home every Wednesday, providing regular one-on-one visits to share his enthusiasm, skills, talent and knowledge. Most importantly, his visits provide the residents with friendship and companionship, making them feel valued, included and informed.
Trevor puts a great deal into preparing for each visit, drawing on the residents life experiences and his own research to ensure the visits are "Reminiscing and Informative". His "Armchair Travel" presentation, in which he and his wife reported on their trip to Fiji, was particularly popular, with residents very much looking forward to the next instalment.
Trevor has also volunteered to assist in "Mystery Bus Trips", again putting tremendous effort into researching the area selected.
Impact on the Community
Trevor has established a special connection with the residents of Morshead Home, thanks to his gentle, caring, cheerful and kind personality. He has a very good understanding of the residents needs and his visits have significantly improved the quality of their lives. They have benefited from his companionship and their loneliness and isolation have been reduced.
Time Dedicated
Trevor has visited Morshead home every Wednesday for nearly three years, with each visit lasting for one and a half hours. He has also volunteered for other activities, for two or three hours at a time.
Effort Required
As a wheelchair bound Multiple Sclerosis sufferer, Trevor has been assisted by his wife for transport. It is a team effort.