David Jones is our Volunteer of the Month – but he insists he’s just one member of several teams pitching in for Rotorua charities.
David’s a graphic designer, running his business DJ Creative, a skill many organisations find valuable whenever they need posters, invitations, advertisements or bulletins created for their events and activities.
He’s a member of Rotary Club of Rotorua Sunrise, so their various fundraising efforts often have his hand in the various design work needed to engage with the public on projects.
He’s also on the Civic Arts Trust which nurtures young talent in the area with scholarships and assistance to get started in the arts industry. He’s also redesigning their website. As a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church he is involved in raising funds for the new church roof and plays piano in a music group.
The very popular annual Rotorua Lakeside Concert has also benefited from his billboard designs. The latest free concert attracted more than 18,500 people to watch local and national acts.
“Rotorua is a lower socioeconomic area and people just can’t afford to pay to go to live shows. The concert is free but we raise between $3000 and $9000 just from cash in buckets or people using EFTPOS at the event.
He is on the Rotary for Rotorua Charitable Trust, which recently raised $35,000 for ‘Stand tu Maia’ to install a children’s pool. Last weekend he was out marshalling for an event. Why does he do it? He loves Rotorua and considers himself semi-retired after being in business for 45 years.
“I’m a long time resident and have business skills. People are often struggling to get their message across. My heart is here and I love the people. There’s lots of life here, and I enjoy close connections with the Māori community.”
Fellow Rotarian Tak Tothill said David is a worthy recipient of the monthly award.
“There is a quote ‘if you need something done get a busy person to do it’ and David Jones epitomises this, from his endless work for his church, as a Rotarian serving both the Rotary Club of Rotorua Sunrise and Rotary for Rotorua Charitable Trust and as a board member for The Rotorua Lakeside Concert Charitable Trust.
“All these organisations benefit from David’s passion for serving his community, his undoubted governance skills, his artistic bent as a graphic designer and his love of music. There is no doubt many more organisations in Rotorua are fortunate to have David assisting them.
David sees it more simply. He meets some really good people.
“If I actually retired what would I do? I’ve read that if you have a sense of purpose you live longer. And if you can be helpful to someone, why wouldn’t you? ”
