Coaching junior footy in Manjimup at age 17 is where a lifetime of volunteering began for retired banker and local government worker, Graham Little.
“It is what you did in a country town back then” he said and Graham’s never seen a reason to stop contributing to help others.
Sitting on the 8th Floor of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research handwriting cards to thank members of the public who in a variety of ways have supported the Institute, Graham writes with sincerity.
He too has given hours of his time throughout the year to the Perkins so its researchers can focus on investigating ways to overcome the major diseases that affect our community.
Perkins Director Professor Peter Leedman AO said “the Perkins is one of the largest medical research facilities in WA but we are also a not for profit organisation that relies on charity for financial support and on our volunteers to help the place tick along”.
In 2021 311 volunteers donated 2878 hours at the Perkins.
For the past four years Graham has been a regular at the Perkins helping pack kit bags for the 1500 riders who each year fundraise and ride 200km in the Institute’s major fundraising event of the year, the MACA Cancer 200 Ride for Research.
At other times Graham can be found driving cancer patients from the country who are in Perth for treatment and who need to be transported to and from hospital.
“My wife and I put our hands in our pockets as much as we can but helping out with volunteering is great for my mental health and gives me a real sense of purpose,” he said.
