Autistic volunteer grabs life with both hands

‘They need me all the time because I am the strongest person here.’

'I don't need the forklift, I'm strong enough': Waves of Kindness volunteer, Mark Bone.

Noosa recycling shop, Alpha & Omega has 45 regular volunteers, but there is one enthusiastic helper who leaves people with a smile as big as some of the things he can lift.

Mark Bone has been a volunteer at the popular op shop, run by Waves of Kindness, for over five years.

“We have to empty a whole load of donations from the bins,” he said.

“And sort out all the crates with clothes and books.”

The 40-year-old has been diagnosed with autism, but if it holds him back in anyway, he certainly isn’t showing it.

“I don’t need the forklift, I am strong enough,” Mark said.

Mark was under no illusion as to his extremely important role at the recycling shop.

“They need me all the time because I am the strongest person here,” he said.

The passionate volunteer has one day off each week which gives him an opportunity to catch up on the more important things in life.

“Thursdays I have off so I can wash my work clothes,” he said.

Not content with giving up his time through the week, Mark also volunteers on weekends as well.

“On Sunday mornings I go to Hillsong Church and blow all the leaves and put the bibles out,” he said.

“But I can’t do it before 8am because the people around The J don’t like the blower noise.

“But after 8am, there is lots of people there to go into church.”

Without a driver’s licence, Mark’s daily commute to work is an extensive one.

He catches the bus from his Peregian Springs home to the Noosa Civic Shopping Centre and then he walks to the Production St shop in Noosaville.

But you will never hear Mark complain, and he rarely looks for a pat on the back.

However the occasional box of chocolates for his hard work is always welcomed.

“I sometimes get small gifts, I got a box of Favourites from the church,” Mark said.

When he is not working, Mark enjoys playing his video games, watching YouTube and generally recovering after a hard day of heavy lifting.

“I’ve got a swimming pool at home. I go in after a hot day at work,” Mark said.

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