Lucas Matter is only 16 but he has already learned several valuable lessons about volunteering.
“It is very fulfilling and it is a good thing to do to give back to the community. Sometimes you learn new things along the way and make great friends too,” said the Gr. 11 Westdale Secondary School student.
In the beginning it was all about earning his mandatory (minimum) 40 hours of community service before graduation. But gradually, the Waterdown resident began expanding his volunteering in a variety of different ways, everything from lending a hand at Hamilton Winterfest to helping out at the fall community market at the Harry Howell Arena.
He has also volunteered at Alexander Place Long-Term Care Home, playing euchre with residents, watering the garden and setting up chairs for events. For most of the past two summers, he has volunteered at an overnight camp and offered his time to help reorganize a local school’s library after it was moved, and in January he will be volunteering with the Waterdown Youth Centre archery program.
Lucas has spent a great deal of his volunteer time at Knox Presbyterian Church, where his family have been members for 14 years.
“I started volunteering in the summer before Grade 9," he told FlamboroughToday. "The church was looking for volunteers to help with the tech on a Sunday morning and my parents thought I should try it. I tried and have been working most Sunday mornings since.”
On those mornings Lucas ensures visuals are ready to go, whether that be slides for the accompanying music or any that go along with the sermon.
“I enjoy having a responsibility on Sunday mornings," he said. "It has become just what I do. It feels good to help out and it is not a difficult job for me.”
Lucas also occasionally helps his dad with maintaining the landscaping at the Mill Street North church, and has also been involved with a summer camp there.
Lucas’s dedication to his tasks at Knox have not gone unnoticed.
“We have enjoyed watching Lucas grow up to be a thoughtful and responsible young man,” said George Bulmer, Knox session elder.
“Lucas has been a dedicated member of the audio team at Knox for many years. He is dependable, knowledgeable and responsible, taking pride in all he does.”
