FOR THE LOVE OF VOLUNTEERING

Deb Damman’s outstanding contribution to the Choir over many years sees her named as the inaugural recipient of the Elwynne Stafford Award for volunteers in 2021. The accolade is named for Honorary Life Member and ABCI volunteer, Elwynne Stafford, who passed away in October 2020 having had a profound influence on a generation of ABCI singers.

Deb Damman admits her life became much richer when her son Ian joined the Australian Boys Choir in February 2011.

Deb soon became aware that, like every not-for-profit organisation, the Australian Boys Choir relied not only on its highly-trained and dedicated staff, but on the endeavour and goodwill of volunteers. Since her first, somewhat hesitant involvement as a volunteer, Deb has put her hand up for everything from front-of-house wardrobe and stage managing at concerts, to roles as a carer at camps and on tours.

There have been countless highlights for Deb, including ‘the wonderful adult contingent with whom I have met, shared, laughed, and even cried’. One of Deb’s most memorable volunteering experiences was her involvement in events to celebrate the Choir’s 75th Anniversary Exhibition in 2014. ‘The team worked on this for 18 months and it was amazing to be part of,’ she recalls.

Deb’s experiences are not unique among volunteers. In March 2020, the Journal of Happiness Studies published data from a survey of nearly 70 000 volunteers in the UK. It found that those who had volunteered in the last year were more satisfied with their lives and reported better mental and physical health than those who had not.

Katie Whitecross, current ABCI General Manager, reflects: ‘Deb’s personal volunteer journey epitomises the heartbeat of the Institute. It is a testament to her character that Deb still volunteers as a Board Member today, even after her son has left the Institute. We’d truly be lost without people like her.’

Engaging with the Choir has not only been a thrill for Deb, it has also changed her son’s life. She says, ‘The ABCI has given him a like-minded cohort of friends and musicians. It gave him the skills to successfully audition for the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School which has led him to a place at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.’

Deb says she feels truly honoured to receive the Elwynne Stafford Award and looks forward to congratulating future recipients. As someone who has reaped the rewards of serving over the years, she encourages everyone to put up their hand and give what they can by way of their skills and time. ‘Volunteering for the Choir will only ever have an upside. You have nothing to lose and so very much to gain... for you and your son.’