Leo says about his volunteering:

“I’m capable and able and I feel that as a local to Ballina town I should volunteer and play my part. I like my town and when you give your time to local people you can see the fruits of your labour much more easily than if you are donating money to a far away cause.”

For the Community Boat Trip, Leo takes upon himself to coordinate 23 local boat-owners and local businesses to create a fun day of games, fishing and fun for people with intellectual disabilities. Every summer Leo leads a flotilla of boats from Ballina quay to Bartra Island where the group enjoys cockle picking, fishing, treasure hunting – while another group of volunteers he has recruited prepare a barbecue lunch with supplies donated by local shops and businesses.

It is a big project,but Leo says “I always would recommend that it is better to take on one big thing and give more of yourself to it, rather than giving a little of yourself to a lot of different causes. There is just such a great sense of accomplishment when you can look back and see what you have achieved. You just feel good about yourself. I really believe everyone should and can do something for their community.”