by Donna Valentine
My name is Donna Valentine, and I live in Melbourne with my husband, daughter and animals. My introduction to Dharma practice began in 2012 when I first came to the temple during a Spring festival. I never had the good fortune to meet Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden, the founder and spiritual head of the Tibetan Buddhist Society. However, the moment I walked into the gardens I felt a connection with the temple that made me feel warm, welcome and at peace. I haven’t looked back since.
I work as an auditor, however, volunteer through many aspects of my life, mostly as a wildlife carer which I have done for over 13 years. I specialise in birds but also care for the occasional possum and blue tongue lizard. I have also volunteered for the centre over the years, mostly for the volunteer lunches for those in need held at Banksia Community Garden Centre at Broadmeadows, during Vietnamese visits to the temple, and I am currently part of the retreat team.
Apart from this year whilst on maternity leave, I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at Banksia over many years and have come to know the volunteers and locals quite well. Part of volunteering includes preparing cutlery, serving lunch, chatting to participants and cleaning up afterwards. It is extremely fulfilling to know you are making a difference in someone’s life and having a positive influence.
Volunteering as part of the retreat team is fun and always exciting to know what upcoming events are occurring at the temple. Everyone makes you feel welcome and is kind and caring. I love being a part of the volunteer teams as it makes me feel closer to the Dharma and nothing feels better than to give and expect nothing in return.
In fact, I highly recommend it!
For another lovely volunteer tale see Niki’s story