Ian Houston
- Location:
- Sherwood
Ian Houston was not cut out for a quiet retirement.
A love of helping children along with the ability to build or fix almost anything that is broken has seen him continue to be a valued volunteer of many organisations even as he approaches his eighties.
Many children with a disability have had the pleasure of playing with toys Ian has made during his time volunteering for Noah’s Ark Toy Library, Spina Bifida–Hydrocephalus Queensland and Narbethong Special School.
School principal Cathy Byrnes said Ian was happy to take on any jobs including making specialised equipment for children.
“He has made many suggestions to make our children’s lives more satisfying,” she said.
“He takes pieces of equipment back and forwards in his car to paint, fix, build or remodel.”
Ian’s work in this area has lead to more volunteer work with Technical Aid to the Disabled, Queensland.
He has clocked up more than 3000 volunteer hours transporting patients to and from the Mater Hospital and eight years doing the same for patients of the Wesley Hospital.
With a further four years volunteering with Meals on Wheels, seven years placing volunteers through Volunteering Queensland, and six years as a volunteer guide at the Science Centre, Ian has demonstrated a long-time commitment to helping others in the community.