By Charlene Macaulay
It’s not every day you have a men’s shed named in your honour.
That’s what happened to Werribee man George Azzopardi, who has spent the past five years volunteering at Mercy Place Wyndham.
The 60-year-old started volunteering after his sister became a resident, and regularly helps out in any way he can.
Mr Azzopardi spends on average 15 hours a week doing anything from looking after the animals, maintaining the garden and building strong relationships with the residents, and has become one of the home’s most loved volunteers.
“I don’t work, so I thought I’d volunteer,” Mr Azzopardi said.
“It’s good, you have a laugh and it gives you something to do, keeps me busy. I volunteer to give the residents a bit of a smile.”
Mercy Place named their recently established men’s shed after George to honour the great work he does for the home. There’s now a plaque bearing George’s name hanging on the front of the shed.
The men’s shed is a new haven for male residents to relax, have a barbecue and mingle with friends.
“That was a good surprise,” George said.
The unveiling occurred just in time for International Volunteers Day, which was held yesterday (Tuesday).
