Helping hand: Flora Gibbons (centre) works with 'supported employees' at the Scope centre in Wantirna, but more helpers are required. Picture: Rob Carew
DESPITE retiring from her job as a secretary in her 50s, life has never slowed down for Flora Gibbons.
Now in her 80s and still lively, Ms Gibbons has just begun her 25th year of volunteering at Scope Knox Combined Industries in Wantirna.
The organisation provides accommodation, counselling, employment and other services to people with a disability, but it is in dire need of more volunteers like Ms Gibbon, who said her job was different every week.
Jobs could range from packaging sugar to sending mail outs, and even assembling baby travel packs.
"It brings me satisfaction," Ms Gibbons said. "It's a lovely place to be.
"The staff are lovely and the supported employees are really amazing."
John Andrews managed Scope Knox for 20 years before his retirement.
But he couldn't stay away and has been volunteering at his former workplace for eight years.
"We're one big family — it gets me up in the morning and breaks up my week," he said.
However, it's not a job just a handful of people can do, Scope Business Enterprises general manager Tom Baxter said.
The Knox centre had about five volunteers, he said, but its goal was to have at least 20 to 30 helping out at the Wantirna site. "Volunteers are welcome no matter what their commitment is," Mr Baxter said.
"Even if they're not committed in the long term."
The work was personally rewarding and satisfying, Mr Baxter said, and he encouraged Knox locals to get involved to learn more about their surrounding community.
Mr Baxter said many people have "no idea" that people with disabilities were going to work everyday.
"Our message is to see the person, not the disability."
People from all walks of life are welcome to volunteer at Scope Knox, whether they intend to stay for a long or short term.
Anyone interested in volunteering at Scope Knox Combined Industries can call Gail James on 9887 3280.
Mr Andrews and Ms Gibbons have urged others to consider volunteering at Scope Knox.
"It changes your life a little bit," Mr Andrews said.