Showing his work: Ronnie Barnes in front of some of the items he has tagged and tested.
Photo by
Chloe Newnham
Since answering a call from a friend in 2003, Ronnie Barnes has dedicated his time to volunteering at the St Vincent de Paul Society, creating a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Contrary to his initial belief that volunteering at St Vincent’s required a religious affiliation, Mr Barnes was surprised to find that the organisation welcomed individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their religious background.
“I’m not religious or attend church, but they said it doesn’t matter,” Mr Barnes said.
“I thought it was a real religious thing, but it wasn’t.”
Over the years, Mr Barnes has witnessed a transformation within the organisation in terms of the volunteers and the services offered.
“There were a lot of older religious people when I first started, but now there is less,” he said.
“We used to pick up furniture and drop it off when it was sold.”
As a diesel mechanic by trade, Mr Barnes has taken on the responsibility of tagging and testing for St Vincent’s in Kyabram and the surrounding areas.
Over the past 14 years, he has meticulously tagged and tested at least 3000 items, ensuring their quality and safety for resale.
This contribution not only supports the organisation’s mission but also reflects Mr Barnes’ commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Reflecting on his volunteer experience, he attests that volunteering has given him a fresh perspective on life and has contributed to his personal growth.
“It makes you look at things in a different light,” Mr Barnes said.
“You become ever mindful of those less fortunate.”
Many more years to come: Ronnie Barnes at Vinnes Kyabram.
Photo by
Chloe Newnham
The transformative power of volunteering extends beyond the immediate impact on the community, influencing individuals like Mr Barnes to become more compassionate, understanding and engaged citizens.
Being there to celebrate each accomplishment, the team has become a happy family.
“We celebrate each other.” Mr Barnes said.
“It's like a big happy family.”
When asked for advice to give to those who want to volunteer, Mr Barnes said, “Don’t hesitate; just do it.”
