Singing, teaching, cooking, training; this volunteer does it all

On any given day, Joey Chan can be found making meals for people in need, singing for a crowd, or teaching technology to seniors. Meet Ryde’s Volunteer of the Year.

Joey Chan is always looking for ways she can help more people. Pictures: Tim Pascoe

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On any given day, Joey Chan can be found making meals for people in need, singing for a crowd, or teaching technology to seniors.

Ms Chan, of Kellyville, spends her spare time — between raising her family and working — volunteering at the Eastwood Chinese Senior Citizens Club and Kellyville Anglican Church.

A jewellery designer by trade, Ms Chan was born in Hong Kong and moved to Australia from London in 2002.

“I came here for work for two months and I met my husband … love was in the air and it changed my whole plan,” she said.

Ryde Volunteer of the Year Joey Chan with Ryde Mayor Jerome Laxale.

Instead of returning to London after a couple of months, she stayed and despite only knowing two people when she moved she has since made a huge network of what she called her “extended family” through volunteering and her church.

At the Eastwood Chinese Senior Citizens Club she sings and helps run exercise programs, activities and excursions, and helps members learn how to use smart phones and tablets.

“What I aim for is to bring them joy,” she said.

She was recognised for her years of service at the City of Ryde Volunteer Awards recently where she was named the 2019 Volunteer of the Year.

Ms Chan said receiving the award was “overwhelming” and a “thank you to all the people who support me and give me the opportunity to serve”.

“I’m a people person and having this award really encouraged me to think, ‘Come on Joey you can do even more’,” she said.

Joey said the award has encouraged her to do even more volunteering.

Ms Chan said she hoped the award would show the “next generation” that anyone can help and that even small acts can make a significant difference.

“Everyone can contribute, just go with your heart and go with your strengths,” she said.

Along with Ms Chan, Isabella Wilks was named as the Young Volunteer of the Year, The North Ryde Community Aid Linen Group was named the Group Volunteer of the Year, while community transport drivers Stryder and Neighbourhood Watch volunteer Philip Brown received special commendations.

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