Embarking on a volunteer journey with the Shepparton Central Rotary Club in 1985, Butch Goodfellow dived into a world of service, networking, and community impact.
He has had the opportunity to help organise projects, build relationships, and leave a lasting mark on the community around him.
From supporting charitable endeavours to being a part of the fabric that helps bind community’s together, Butch’s impact has not gone unnoticed.
To this day, he is still actively involved in the Rotary club and beyond the realm of business his influence and overpowering need to help others, has reached far and wide.
“Shepparton has always been good to my family, so I felt the need to be good to Shepparton,” Butch said.
“In the 36 years I have been with Rotary we have nearly raised $1 million in donations for GV Health.
“It’s more than just offering your time.
“People really appreciate it, and it means more to them than money.”
Butch’s open-hearted nature and willingness to lend a helping hand has seen him donate money to MOVE, manual vehicles to Berry Street for driver education to lending a car to a female busker to travel Australia while raising awareness and money for Beyond Blue and the Love Your Sister Foundation.
“Cancer is something that these days almost touches everybody,” he said.
“I've had family and friends that have taken on the battle, and it’s ended with terminal results.
“Raising awareness, helping a charity or business in need is important, and more people should be helping, even if it’s just their time.”
In a community where generosity weaves the threads of compassion and hope, Butch has been a guiding light illuminating the gift of giving and selflessness.
Many have been embraced by his boundless compassion, and within the layers of his giving is a message and a reminder that the true measure of a life well-lived, lies in the depth of care for others.