Laurie Smith, Ambassador

2007 NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year

Laurie Smith has been a volunteer with Aunties and Uncles for more than 23 years mentoring disadvantaged children. He and his wife Barbara have made a commitment of 12 months to each child they are linked to, but remain in touch with many who have moved away.

Laurie speaks with passion about the need for mentoring and support for boys in particular who need the guidance and support of a positive male role model in the absence of an appropriate father figure.

His nominator, Rose George says: "His personal qualities of drive, enthusiasm, commitment and hard work are conveyed to those he comes into contact with and are a wonderful example to the three boys he has delighted to watch grow into young men."