Banner graphic with a 50th anniversary logo saying 50 stories for 50 years

Ziggy’s Story

Ziggy Ahmed is a regular volunteer buddy at Calvert Lakes. He first visited in 2004 in his professional role as a carer for young adults with learning disabilities. Since then, he has visited regularly with his clients and volunteers his free time several times a year. The guests and staff here love the energy and enthusiasm Ziggy brings to activity breaks. His skills and experience from being a carer make him the perfect buddy for the unaccompanied adults that visit on our Buddy Breaks, who are mostly independent but require occasional prompts.

Ziggy has devoted his whole life to caring for others, whether that’s the young adults he supports in his day job, the people he helps as a volunteer here and the attendees and players at the local football matches he volunteers at.

Q: What do you love most about volunteering here?

Meeting different people from all backgrounds.

Q: What inspired you to start volunteering your time?

When I first came here in 2004 with work, I supported a client and saw what a good time he had.

Q: Can you describe a favourite Calvert memory?

The first time I volunteered was in 2013. I was in a group with people who in the space of 2 years had all had major accidents and had life-changing journeys that they shared.

Q: What impact have you seen stays with us have on guests?

Just people enjoying themselves and having that priceless smile. They come back every year as they feel a family atmosphere here.

Q: Is there a staff member, other volunteer or guest who has particularly inspired you?

This is hard! I can’t single out anybody as everybody as Calvert is brilliant and amazing.

That’s exactly why people keep coming back.

Q: What was something you were surprised to learn about Calvert when you first started helping out?

That whatever your need, they cater towards it be it for diet, physical or just to make your stay comfortable.

Q: Has working with Calvert changed you personally or professionally?

Yes – most definitely! It has opened me up to more ideas and made me feel very proud to represent such a brilliant organisation.

Q: What makes Calvert a special place to volunteer?

The staff from catering to cleaners to maintenance, the office team and the instructors are all just amazing people.

Q: What would you say to anyone thinking about working or volunteering here?

You will never regret it as it’ll be a life-changing experience!

Q: Can you describe Calvert in 5 words of less?

Unique, fantastic, adventure, amazing, brilliant

Q: Calvert is ...

a place where people can challenge themselves and learn new skills. It’s a home away from home where whatever your origin you’ll be welcomed.

Q: The best thing about Calvert is ...

it provides comfort for not only the individual but the family can also benefit from the experience by learning new skills together.

Q: A word that sums up Calvert for me is ...

amazing!