‘You get back 10x what you give’ – CapeTalk listener on volunteering at 80
In honour of International Day of Older Persons, we sit down with one of CapeTalk’s most loyal listeners.
Capetalk long time listener Ross from Thornton
Pippa Hudson speaks with Ross Metcalfe, CapeTalk listener from Thornton.
Listen to the interview in the audio below.
Whenever there is a segment on reading and storytelling, Ross Metcalfe from Thornton is almost guaranteed to share his thoughts.
Despite being retired, Metcalfe spends his time volunteering for numerous causes to inspire a love of reading in children and fight our literacy crisis.
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He has a background in education teaching high school, but feels his true calling is working with preschoolers.
“I wish I had discovered that a little bit earlier!”
- Ross Metcalfe, CapeTalk listener from Thornton
He started volunteering in the literacy space because he fell in love with a beautiful woman who was a volunteer.
“The romance did not last but the love of storytelling did.”
- Ross Metcalfe, CapeTalk listener from Thornton
At the age of 80, he is also studying psychology to try and help these children in a more meaningful way.
He says he wants to make the most of the time that he has left by doing something he loves and helping the community.
He adds that continuing to volunteer and study helps him feel younger and gives him energy to keep going.
He wants to encourage others, especially men, to start volunteering in the same way.
“There is a call for males of my age. Let’s just enjoy these times and give something because you will get back ten times what you give.”
- Ross Metcalfe, CapeTalk listener from Thornton
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.