StarJam Volunteer scores finalist spot.

Mt Albert local, Darryl Pascoe, is going to have to become accustomed to being in the limelight.

Darryl, who didn’t even cast a vote for himself, has been named a finalist in the 2010 Intrepid Volunteer Awards, a national competition aimed at recognising the work of volunteers from a range of fields including social services, international aid, and arts & culture.

The long-time volunteer for StarJam is well-known amongst friends and colleagues, not just for helping others but for keeping an extremely low profile about it.

Ironic when you consider StarJam is all about promoting performance and limelight opportunities for young people with disabilities and that Darryl is a huge supporter of daughter Bonnie, who is regularly on stage as a member of one of StarJam’s gig performance groups, the Velvet Vocals.

Single Dad Darryl has been volunteering for StarJam since 2004. As well as being a full-time carer, Darryl works part-time coaching young amateur boxers, volunteering at the local boxing club and helping daughter Bonnie train ner new assistance dog Rusty.

Darryl was nominated by StarJam staff from a pool of equally deserving volunteers and he’s coming to terms with the attention.

“I’m getting used to it, people are congratulating me and patting me on the back … it’s a bit funny.”
CEO and Founder Julie Bartlett says the organisation is lucky to have such a committed group of people.
“We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers, and for Darryl to get this national recognition is fabulous.”

Category winners and the overall winning volunteer will be announced at a ceremony in Auckland next month. The winning volunteer receives a travel prize and their organisation receives a cash/advertising package.