John Barriball, Wish-Granting Volunteer
As a law enforcement officer for 25 years, retired policeman John Barriball spent many years on the road patrolling the streets. Now in retirement, he still spends his fair share of time behind the wheel. But, now it's because he's driving to and from wish kids' homes, the airport, and anywhere the line of duty calls…the line of Make-A-Wish volunteer duty, that is.
After a year into his retirement, John was looking to fill up some of his newly found time with a volunteer opportunity. As luck would have it, John noticed an ad for a Make-A-Wish volunteer training in his area (TriCities in Washington) and he is now hooked. Read on to learn why.
Q: Why do you choose to volunteer for Make-A-Wish?
A: As a law enforcement officer, I saw a lot of negativity toward kids. I felt so helpless. As a Make-A-Wish volunteer, it's a big deal for me to be able to step into their lives and do something to make a positive difference in a situation that they can't control.
Q: What words describe your Make-A-Wish volunteer experience?
A: It's very emotionally fulfilling being able to do something positive for these kids. The first meetings when you are getting the hugs and can see the stars in their eyes as they are articulating their wish…it's just amazing.
Q: What do you think separates volunteering for Make-A-Wish from other non-profit organizations?
A: I think there's a larger emotional commitment to volunteering with Make-A-Wish and because of that, you receive incredible fulfillment. It's a lot more profound when working with the kids because as a wish granter, you're the one that is in direct contact with the kids and the families from day one to the end of the wish. You are there every step of the way.
Q: What has surprised you most about being involved with Make-A-Wish?
A: How upbeat these kids are, especially with what they are dealing with. It's just amazing to me given all the medical procedures they are going through.
Q: What would you tell future or new Make-a-Wish volunteers?
A: The experience that they will get from volunteering will be more than they can imagine. It's very emotionally fulfilling.
Currently, there are 293 kids awaiting their wishes. Each wish requires two volunteers and there are many areas in which we have a severe shortage of volunteers (including the TriCities in Washington where John is from). While we are always accepting new volunteers to fulfill our mission, we also have a special need for bilingual volunteers throughout our territory. If you are interested in becoming a Make-A-Wish volunteer, please call us at 800.304.9474 or send us an email at volunteer@northwestwishes.org .
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