Every other week, Ray brings not just his time, but his heart and creativity to Multicap’s Centre of Creative Arts (COCA), where volunteering has become a meaningful extension of his professional and personal life.

For the past nine months, Ray has assisted COCA participants with a wide range of artistic activities – from sculpting and painting to theatre and performance.

Ray is a Mechanical Engineer by profession, originally from Mexico. Since moving overseas, he’s felt grateful to be welcomed into the Australian community and began volunteering to give back.

“I feel very lucky to be a part of this community, and I wanted to do my part,” Ray said. “That’s why I applied with Multicap to volunteer at COCA.”

Volunteering in a creative space is a very different experience to his day job. But it’s a difference he values deeply.

“As a mechanical engineer, my job is quite different to what we do at COCA,” Ray explained. “I feel that it has opened the door to a different mindset.”

Ray supports the COCA team by joining in with activities and encouraging customers to explore their own artistic voices.

Whether helping to mirror movements during a performance session, or gently guiding participants through a project, he is a part of the rhythm of each session he attends.

The real joy of the experience is seeing the individuality and expression of the participants.

“I love that COCA enables people to be unique and express themselves,” Ray said.

“For example, someone who is nonverbal can communicate with different forms of art and expression.”

For Ray. being part of COCA has been a fulfilling and eye-opening experience.

“As Multicap is a large organisation, I love the diversity among participants, and staff too,” he said.

Ray admires the skills and dedication of COCA staff and participants and feels lucky to be part of it.

“Volunteering is for people who want to give back to the community from the heart. If you’re thinking about volunteering, try it out.”

“Once you fully experience it and understand the people you work with, it can be very rewarding.”

This National Volunteer Week, Multicap acknowledges and thanks our valued volunteers, including Ray, who give their time, heart and energy to make a difference.

If you’re interested in volunteering at Multicap, view our current opportunities here. If you don’t see a location or an area you are interested in, phone 1300 135 886 and there may be other opportunities.