This Night Ninja is a volunteer with a big heart, helping to improve life for those on the poverty line
This dedicated charity worker juggles hours of volunteering each week while running his own small business. Meet the man who says it hurts to see people on the streets who have nothing.
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GARY Courtenay would do anything to help others, proving his dedication daily by helping out Redlands Coast charity, Night Ninjas.
The Wellington Point “all-round good guy” is a board member, day call-out team leader and general Night Ninjas helper.
The not-for-profit charity supports those who are homeless or living close to the poverty line, with food and personal items.
Group founder Alix Russo said Mr Courtenay was an extra-special member of 40-strong volunteer team, due to his hard work and sheer dedication.
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“He works so hard; he’s our chairman and is on call during the day – Monday to Friday,” she said.
“We’re just really blessed, we would be nothing if we didn’t have volunteers.
“He’s on our board, and there are a lot of people on boards who don’t do the running around, but Gary does it all. He is amazing.”
Mr Courtenay, who juggles volunteering with full-time work running his own upholstery business, said he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I got involved after seeing a post on Facebook,” he said.
“We’re just so lucky we have so much stuff – it hurts to see people with nothing.
“It’s great to have a sense of knowing you’ve done something to help others; sometimes it’s not just the food or items, it’s making them feel loved.
“It is difficult to find the time, but you just have to do what you’ve got to do.”
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Volunteering is a family affair for the Courtenays with Gary’s wife working in administration for the Ninjas.
Mr Courtenay, who has been regularly volunteering with the organisation for the past two years, encouraged others to help out.
“You just have to get in and do it,” he said. “You won’t know until you try. It will probably greatly enrich your life.
“I’ll put my hand up to do anything, it’s just wonderful to know you’ve helped someone.”
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Ms Russo is celebrating Mr Courtenay’s dedication to Night Ninjas as part of 2019 Volunteer Week, which runs until May 26.
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