InterVol is very fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers that share their time every month. Each year, more than 500 individual volunteers spend time at our Irondequoit headquarters, sorting and boxing medical supplies to send to non-profits here in Rochester and those in need around the world. The combine number of hours our volunteers put in is the equivalent of three-full time employees! We couldn't do what we do without them!
Two of our volunteers, Gary and Ann Ras are from Webster, NY and have been volunteering at InterVol for the last 15 years.
“We enjoy our volunteer time at InterVol for so many different reasons. We were inspired by InterVol's mission of recycling unused medical supplies for distribution here in our community, and around the world. We hope to make a difference in the lives of those in need," Ann said, adding how satisfying it is to work with other wonderful volunteers every month.
Gary was police officer for the City of Rochester, retiring after 33 years of service. He worked on patrol for many years, then become a school safety officer, was Officer Friendly working the DARE program and finally retiring as Coordinator of the back-rounds unit for the RPD. Ann was a nurse at Rochester General for 18 years, a hospital account manager for McKesson Corporation for 20 years, and for the last 14 years served as a hospice nurse.
“We both agree that the craziest, and probably the most rewarding times, at InterVol had to do with two major disasters. The first was the destructive and deadly Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. The second was in the days following the huge earthquake that hit Haiti in January 2010. We, along with a host of volunteers, worked hours and hours to ready supplies for shipment to the hardest hit areas.”
It's people like Gary and Ann who make the mission of InterVol possible with the time that they donate to us each month and we are very grateful for them.
In Gary and Ann's spare time they enjoy traveling, playing golf, gardening and spending time with extended family at their family summer home in the Finger Lakes.
Click here to see when our next sorting nights are and volunteer with us!