Support for world of abilities

By Rebecca Fraser
RECOGNISING ability, not disability, was the key theme on Monday when the Kalimna Training and Community Support Centre celebrated the International Day of People with a Disability.
Di Kelly, volunteer coordinator at the Narre Warren-based centre, said the day was about celebrating the achievements of the 69 people with disabilities who attended the centre every weekday.
Ms Kelly said the day also recognised the many volunteers who offered their time and support at the centre in the lead-up to today’s International Day of Volunteers.
In a moving slide show Kalimna recognised the lives of their friends Jane O’Shae and Don Cameleri, who passed away in the past year.
The presentation also highlighted the many activities and achievements of the group and showed people taking part in bushwalking, tai chi, cooking, woodwork, painting, shopping and out on day trips.
Kmart and Mitre10 were also thanked for their support and Ms Kelly said many people had completed work experience there and at other local business over the past year.
Keysborough’s Ken Loyd was presented with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his 10 years’ service at Kalimna.
Mr Loyd said he greatly enjoyed being a volunteer and the company and personal rewards it provided.
He said being a volunteer was such a wonderful and pleasant experience and he loved taking people out bowling and on day trips in the community.
Retired ambulance officer Rod Watson of Berwick was also thanked for his five years of service.
Mr Watson has a chronic back injury and said he came into Kalimna by accident one day when he was looking for directions to a rehabilitation day centre.
“I had some time to spare and asked if they were looking for volunteers.
“They (the patients) are a very important part of society and should have the same opportunities that everyone else has.
“We went to the berry farm last week and had an absolute ball,” he said.
Claudia Leyton and Rani Dasari became volunteers a year ago and help conduct weekly cooking classes.
Ms Leyton said she had been looking for something rewarding in her life when she volunteered.
“I wanted to make a difference and now I love it, and love being a volunteer.
“Everyone is so beautiful and I love being with the girls.
“They are so happy to see me and they come up and cuddle me.
“I enjoy helping them do things they normally would not be able to do,” she said.