Resident Tony Brosnan (73) watches as former University of
Otago student Mike Pattillo (24) splits wood. Photo by
Peter McIntosh.
Spring cleaning was in the air at Tony Brosnan's Wakari
home yesterday, with University of Otago students volunteering
to do a range of odd jobs.
The 73-year-old contacted Student Life director Aaron Thomson
after reading about his volunteer scheme for students,
Scarfie Card.
The scheme, which offers students rewards for voluntary work,
will not be launched until next year but Mr Thomson decided
to help Mr Brosnan with his request.
The four volunteers from Aquinas College worked to tick all
the jobs Mr Brosnan had written in red ink on the back of a
used envelope.
"It is great to have the help," Mr Brosnan said as he watched
Mike Pattillo split and stack firewood at the rear of his
section.
People living alone like himself, single mothers and
pensioners would benefit from such a scheme, he said.
Also praising the scheme was 19-year-old Chelsea Cain, who
was looking forward to a promised cup of tea after two hours'
house cleaning.
She said she enjoyed volunteering and the prospect of meeting
people in the community.
"It has been nice to help him out."
The Scarfie Card pilot programme will begin during
Orientation Week next year, and several halls of residence
have committed to the scheme.
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