Service desperate for volunteers

By Sarah Schwager
A SERVICE for adults with intellectual disabilities is desperately seeking volunteers and is encouraging locals to come along to its annual open day next week.
Blairlogie Living and Learning in Pearcedale is a not-for-profit charitable organisation run by locals and provides support and training for its clients.
Chief executive Rod Puls said the day training centre, which also provides overnight stays to encourage independent living, relied heavily on volunteers.
“We are always looking for volunteers who are willing to help, whether it’s running art and craft sessions or driving buses,” Mr Puls said.
The organisation, which has been operating for 20 years, is now focusing on getting its clients, now numbering about 70, into community access and work education programs.
Some have already started volunteering at other organisations such as Cruden Farm – Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s Langwarrin property – and the Balla Balla Centre in Cranbourne East.
At Blairlogie, people with intellectual disabilities can access the six-acre property, learning skills including farm maintenance and cooking.
Mr Puls said the biggest area the organisation struggled with financially was providing transport for their clients and desperately needed funding and volunteers.
To find out about the centre, Blairlogie Living and Learning will open its doors next Sunday 28 October.
There will be displays and sales of craft, plants, vegetables, ceramics, woodwork, trash and treasure. There will also be a vintage motor display by the Port Phillip Historical Society.
Other attractions include jumping castle, face painting, a sausage sizzle, pancakes and Devonshire teas.
Come along from 10am to 3pm at 685 North Road, Pearcedale (Melways 137 A9).
Admission is free with plenty of parking.
For more information call 5978 7900.