The retired 80-year-old was employed by Imperial Chemical Industries, working in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium and Hungary in sales and marketing and general management. His work as a "Volunteer Befriender", which he began in 2003, is co-ordinated by AJR's Stanmore head office. He lives in Pinner
● Why the AJR?
I am a refugee myself and came over with the Kindertransport from Vienna in 1939. I took part in the jubilee reunion of the Kindertransport in 1989. At the reunion I became aware of the work of the AJR and when I returned to live in England, I contacted Carol Hart, AJR head of volunteer services, to see if I could be of any assistance. She suggested that I become a "befriender".
● What does your current volunteering role involve?
I have two "clients", both in different residential homes, both highly intelligent men, with whom I enjoy conversations about a variety of subjects, and who, I believe, enjoy my visits. In my view the main objective of such visits is to enable the clients to see a different face and to give them something of a mental challenge. We discuss anything from politics, sport, current affairs, religion and even, occasionally, aches and pains.
● What do you most enjoy about being a volunteer?
I feel that it is important and valuable to help people in the community who can't help themselves. I am pleased when I see that my volunteering alleviates the loneliness of the people I befriend.
● What is your most memorable volunteering moment?
A couple of years ago one of my "clients", who himself had been a volunteer with AJR for many years, reached the age of 90. The directors of AJR arranged a birthday celebration for him, and to my great pleasure, my wife and I were invited to the event. I suddenly realised what an amazing life this man had led and what a wonderful contribution he had made towards his fellow human beings.