DIVING into magical fairy tales and spelling words aloud with Reidy Park Primary School students has helped youth mentor Bob Childs grow his own confidence.
Mr Childs started volunteering over three years ago when he entered retirement, dedicating his time from 8.30am to 11am every weekday to help develop students’ reading and language skills.
“I am grateful for the school staff, students and family for letting me be part of everything and the community,” he said.
“Everyone knows me here now, I think the students enjoy my company a lot and look forward to reading with me.”
Mr Childs said students now recognise him when he walks down the street.
“They come up and give you a cuddle to say hello and I feel very special,” he said.
“I am able to have a talk with them and share some insight into the things they are interested in.
“I love it and I would recommend it to anybody.”
Mr Childs said he was considered a grandfather figure to many students, often referred to as “Poppy Bob”.
“I am normally a shy person but the kids bring me out of my shell,” he said.
“I had one young boy come and tell me he had new shoes and they were going to make him run fast which made me smile.
Pictures: MOLLY TAYLOR
“I enjoy it because each child has their own unique story.”
Last month Mr Childs was recognised by the school for his dedicated volunteering with students.
“They all tricked me when I received my award at school assembly,” he said.
“Two of my grandchildren attend the school and the principal told me it was little Bob who was receiving the award.
“It was quite a shock when they said my name.”
After he finishes his morning school duties, Mr Childs said he then goes home to volunteer with Country Health Connect.
“I drive the dialysis patients to where they need to go and I love that job too,” he said.
“I am allocated around two to three afternoons a week and travel from the hospital to all over the place.
“I love talking to people and even though they are pretty sick and tired they are still positive.
Reidy Park deputy principal Sandy Mullen said the school community was grateful for Mr Childs.
“He goes out of his way and I think Reidy Park is his main priority every day,” she said.
“His daughter told me he tells his wife they can not go grocery shopping before he is back from school.
“He has a passion for kids and he puts it before everything else from Monday to Friday.”
Ms Mullen said reading aloud is important for young people and Mr Childs allows it to happen.
“Sometimes life does get busy at home,” she said.
“He will try and get to as many kids as he can and sometimes he will get to 150 kids a day.
“He is our most regular and reliable volunteer and if we could have 10 of him it would be magnificent.”
Recently turning 80, Mr Childs said he will continue to volunteer his time for as long as he can.
