Top Blokes program hunting for 50 young men

By Sam Hall
Updated November 6 2012 - 12:05am, first published April 6 2010 - 1:27am
Volunteer Tim Buchhorn is juggling university and work commitments to do his bit for charity. Picture: DAVE TEASE
Volunteer Tim Buchhorn is juggling university and work commitments to do his bit for charity. Picture: DAVE TEASE

On the surface Tim Buchhorn appears an everyday bloke, a trait which sits well with the Illawarra's not-for-profit organisations.The University of Wollongong student is taking part in the Illawarra's 50 Top Blokes program, an initiative co-ordinated by the Best Catch Foundation.In 50 days, the organisation hopes to find 50 candidates to replenish volunteer stocks in the Illawarra. The campaign is a response to the constant demand for young male volunteers, according to the foundation's managing director Melissa Abu-Gazaleh."What we know is that currently in the Illawarra, there's only 8 per cent of young men aged 18 to 24 who volunteer," Ms Abu-Gazaleh said."We know that there is a demand so this campaign is about finding those young men and giving them access to volunteering."Several Illawarra organisations have jumped at the opportunity for more volunteers."We have 12 different organisations available, including the State Emergency Service, Australian Aerial Patrol, Corrimal Apex, Barnardos, Cancer Council, the Leukaemia Foundation and many more," Ms Abu-Gazaleh said.Mr Buchhorn, 22, hopes to volunteer with the Australian Aerial Patrol."This program really helps to facilitate charity work ... I think people underestimate how hard it is to get in contact with these sort of organisations," he said.The program aims to change the public image of young men in the Illawarra community."When it comes to young men, 70 per cent of social commentary is unfavourable," Ms Abu-Gazaleh said."Everyone is going to get something different from this."Some are going to get that feeling of satisfaction, while others will see it as something to add on their resume{aac}," she said.Those interested are urged to visit the Best Catch website www.bestcatch.com.au for more details.

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