When Campbell Brown retired, he imagined a life of leisure. But after a few months, the appeal of “getting up in the morning with nothing to do” began to wear off. That’s when a simple conversation changed everything.
“It was actually through my son,” recalls Campbell. “He knew about this Cancer Society volunteer business. He had a chat with Sharon to see if I’d be suitable. I was and that’s how it started. I didn’t even know about the volunteer driving service, to be quite honest.”
That introduction to Sharon Lourie, the Volunteer Support Lead at Cancer Society, Waikato/Bay of Plenty, opened the door to a new chapter as a volunteer driver – one filled with purpose, connection and unexpected joy.
“It’s not like a job because you can pick and choose,” says Campbell. “It’s a pleasure to do. I totally enjoy it.”
Volunteering offers Campbell flexibility and freedom, making it ideal for retirees like him or anyone worried about committing to a rigid schedule.
But the rewards go far beyond convenience.
“All the people thank you for taking them,” he says. “I get probably more out of it than them.”
Campbell has been part of Cancer Society’s Volunteer Driver Service now for more than two years, doing an average of three to four days a week driving patients to and from treatment at Waikato Hospital.
Campbell has found all his passengers enjoy a chat, joking that they probably don’t have a choice as the Northern Irishman’s ‘gift of the gab’ helps turn difficult journeys into moments of connection.
“It's good to break down the barrier, you know, talk about something cheerful rather than what's happening to them.”
Some people are keen to share more though and Campbell says he’s heard both heart-warming and heart-wrenching stories that stay with him.
Reflecting on his volunteering, Campbell sums it up simply: “It’s very rewarding. I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much, but I do. It’s not hard work and it’s a pleasure.”
For anyone considering volunteering, his message is clear: you’ll change lives – and maybe your own.
Ready to make a difference? Join us today! follow the link below to find out more about volunteering and register your interest.
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