A desire to help older people and make sure they're enjoying themselves are just some of the reasons why Bruce Hannan is Balwyn Evergreen's longest-serving volunteer at 17 years and counting.
You'll find him driving the bus on the weekly outings, and making sure everyone is smiling.
“I like volunteering because I enjoy the interactions,” he says.
Plus, it always helps when you love the people you work with - “especially Elise, she's a gem”.
After visiting the Boroondara Volunteer Expo in 2006, Bruce decided to lend his time to BEC as well as the Manningham Mens’ Shed. He was also impressed with how BEC's programs benefitted his late mother-in-law.
“I got into volunteering after retirement as I'm not into sport,” he jokes, referring to having lived with Polio since childhood.
He's had a "full life" with successful careers as a mechanical engineer and senior maths teacher. He was married for 43 years and has two daughters and four grandchildren including twin boys.
The family enjoys spending time at their log cabin in Glenmaggie. His partner, Helen, also volunteers at BEC as an admin assistant.
Bruce was recently recognised with a special commendation by The City of Boroondara at their Volunteer of the Year Awards, which he says was humbling.
“I've got a lot of respect for old people because I'm one of them. As a society, we have an obligation to look after them. I like being able to help people in their later years. If I can make them laugh, then I've done my job.”