I volunteered to help the vaccination effort because I feel that we should all do what we can to help get the country safe again. At the start of the year work was slow so I had a bit more time on my hands and I wanted to use it to bring value to the community.
My first shift was at St Johns and we were vaccinating people in their 70s and 80s. It felt a bit overwhelming seeing so many people in a day as I hadn’t seen much more than my wife and daughter for a month or two. I have worked on the doors of the vaccination centres, so I see the people arrive often looking a little nervous. I have been the first person they see so I made sure I greeted them and directed them through to the next step of their journey through the vaccination centre. Seeing them come out smiling and relaxed has been the most valuable experience.
As someone who suffers from social anxiety it took a lot to put myself out there, but I am very glad I did. As work has picked up I haven’t had the time to volunteer more, but my actions prompted my wife to train as a vaccinator so as a household we have been doing our bit.