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Volunteer

2008.05.25
Bradley Foster volunteers two mornings a week repairing furniture and equipment at Furniture Bank .

He takes items of damaged furniture that have been donated to the furniture bank and he clamps, nails, glues, saws and sands them whole again.

It's not like he doesn't have plenty of other things to be doing. Bradley is a writer, an executive coach and a parent (and more besides). He makes the time.



Bradley loves solving problems. Each item of furniture is another challenge, and he enjoys himself.


part of the enjoyment is the large workshop and the powerful table saw.


John Warden runs the workshop. He's been there a long time.

Bear does the intake for clients who need furniture. "Our clients are individuals and families who are leaving shelters or hostels, are refugee claimants, or are otherwise homeless. They are referred to us by over 150 registered agencies in the city." FB


The volunteer coordinater is in part of the showroom where clients select furniture.

executive director Peter Prior.

John at the door of the shipping area.


I had a good time at the furniture bank. The storage areas are a visual buffet - so many treasures from different eras. I love the sights, sounds and smells of a workshop. Meeting the really friendly, funny welcoming people who staff the furniture bank was a pleasure. Watching Bradley steadily working away solving each repair puzzle - I enjoyed that very much. He loves it when he opens up the drawer of a very old cabinet and finds a newspaper clipping or a tiny object left behind. I think for him, every piece of furniture is whispering stories.

Bradley is committed to the concept of volunteering, and he seeks to pass this value on to his children as well. Values in action - admirable.
11 Comments
Lindyart I really love the light and comp in 15 and the whole concept of this shot .. it's awesome that people do this and have the opportunity to do it .. it would be awesome if there was so much more of this in the world..:)
Lindyart · 2008-05-23: 16:32
jim7221 What a super post... I cant really sum it up in words??.... so I wont try!! lol.... I just like it
jim7221 · 2008-05-23: 17:10
Madoc Really great reportage.
The portraits are really great, especially the first one, with all these lines leading to the feet which steps make the world better.
It is because of men and women such as him that this world still holds together.
Madoc · 2008-05-23: 23:13
emmetan they are great examples we should follow. I have been trying to encourage my friends and colleagues to do social works too...

wonderful post!
emmetan · 2008-05-24: 01:42
munawwirkhan Seriously front page materials you have here.
munawwirkhan · 2008-05-24: 02:41
ofwordsandphotos life is worth living with these people around you.
ofwordsandphotos · 2008-05-24: 07:01
dadlak Great portrairs; great story...thanks so much for putting this together...thanks to your subjects for the work they do and for allowing you to capture them doing it.
dadlak · 2008-05-24: 17:12
bradley foster Wow, Thanks Julia! Your lens captures and appreciates these volunteers with such poetry but it is your commentary that really makes the story.
bradley foster · 2008-05-24: 20:33
KerBear What a great post... you did such a wonderful job and I love the telling of this story! Once I settle into a better routine (as best I can anyway) at work, I am looking at doing some volunteering, possibly on evenings and weekends!!
KerBear · 2008-05-25: 21:20
courttells Shots are so eerie in black and white. Is that guy your boyfriend?
courttells · 2008-06-24: 15:46
Sheldon Great project. Bear in #11 - a great portrait of someone who seems to have so much character. Your shot makes me want to meet him.

Sheldon · 2008-06-24: 20:57
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