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Volunteer Spotlight: Linda Parsons
Linda Parsons brings a spark to every stall she volunteers on, especially at Christmas. This December marks her third year supporting Guide Dogs Queensland’s gift wrapping events, a role she jumped into instantly because, in her words, she didn’t need to see that email twice.
Linda loves anything visual, creative and hands-on. Gift wrapping allows her to do what she enjoys most solving tricky wrapping challenges, sharing laughs with other volunteers, and stepping back to admire the final result. She describes the joy of seeing a finished gift as a form of visual accomplishment that fills her day with Christmas cheer.
But it’s not just the wrapping that keeps her coming back year after year. It’s the people. The friendships formed over ribbons, sticky tape and shared shifts, the excitement of seeing familiar faces return to the stall, and the gratitude shared by supporters passing by. Linda treasures the trust placed in volunteers to supervise stalls independently, and the continual learning that comes from meeting adorable puppies and hearing more about the work GDQ does across Queensland.
One of Linda’s most cherished moments came when someone walking past the stall paused just long enough to hand over a box of chocolates and say thank you. No long conversation, just a genuine, unexpected moment of kindness that left a lasting impression.
Volunteers like Linda help make every stall feel brighter, warmer, and infinitely more festive.
Linda sums it up simply:
“I enjoy carrying the spirit of Christmas with me while I’m at the gift wrapping stalls.”
Join the Festive Fun!
If you have spare time this December, there are still a small number of gift wrap shifts available and we’d love to see you there!
