Go and Do Likewise: Jo Donado
Jo Donado is an IT consultant originally from the Philippines and was baptized into Christ in Melbourne. Four years ago, she took on the volunteer role of being the HOPE representative in Melbourne and has been involved in the organisation and execution of numerous events to help the needy there. We had the opportunity to find out a little bit more about the good work she has been doing, and her heart behind it.
Jo, I understand that you are the HOPE representative in Melbourne. What made you decide to take on that role?
Jo: It’s not actually a decision I made. It was an opportunity given to me. I didn’t know I was already the appointed HOPE Rep, until there was a conference where I was introduced as the HOPE Rep! Apparently, I was already doing the work and responsibility before the title was given to me.
Wow! What made you want to take on those responsibilities in the first place then?
Jo: Actually, I started as a volunteer for the HOPE Australia programs. When the couple coordinating the programs left, I naturally took over the responsibilities. What made me take on the responsibilities - I love and enjoy what I’m doing. It makes serving more enjoyable. I love kids - being with them helps me stay grounded with childlike traits. At the same time, I like being with the seniors – I enjoy their stories, experiences, and their wisdom, and they remind me of my mum back in the Philippines.
What are some of the programs you’ve personally been involved in?
Jo: The bi-monthly Seniors Afternoon Tea. This includes activities for seniors to address loneliness and help them with specific needs like keeping up with technology such as computer use, email, mobile phones, etc; or accounting and banking updates. We encourage physical and mental exercise like gardening, gold Zumba, board games, bingo, and themed parties.
Other programs include:
- Fundraising for the needs in Papua New Guinea or Fiji through events like Zumba for HOPE, Soirée, Carols for HOPE, Marathons, etc.
- Christmas Hampers for needy families
- Christmas Shoebox for kids in Papua New Guinea and the Philippines
- Disaster Recovery Solicitation for Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and the Philippines
- Christmas lunch and gift-giving for Victorian refugees
- HOPE Volunteer Corps in the Philippines and Papua New Guinea
- Child sponsorship in the Philippines via HOPE Philippines
That’s incredible! It sounds like you’ve made service a part of your lifestyle. With all these different programs, what are some challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
Jo: We can encounter some problems with logistics, things not going according to plan, even with people themselves, but the important thing is to keep going. I always keep this in mind: it’s not about me, it’s about pleasing God with my best. It’s not my program, but God’s.
Thank you Jo for sharing your convictions with us! To find out more about the HOPE Worldwide programs in Australia, please visit www.hopeworldwide.org.au