WHEN Craigieburn resident Paul Laidlaw was involved in a serious car accident in June 2007, he lost a leg, suffered head and back injuries and was unable to return to his work as a labourer.
But the optimistic 31-year-old was able to turn the incident into a positive. He got a new outlook on life and joined the Hume Volunteer Gateway.
The program, which connects volunteers with organisations, will celebrate its first anniversary on March 25. In the past year it has linked more than 300 volunteers with various organisations.
Mr Laidlaw now volunteers with children and disabled adults through Very Special Kids, Melbourne City Mission and visits the Meadows Primary School every Thursday.
"I got to the stage where I needed something to do and volunteer work helped me.
"It's given me a lot of satisfaction helping out other people who find everyday life difficult and it helps stop me getting bored.
"It's getting me back into a working lifestyle."
Mr Laidlaw said he eventually hoped to make a career as a counsellor.
At the Meadows, Mr Laidlaw helps disengaged pupils with their school work, plays sport with them at lunchtime and offers emotional support.
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