Volunteer for people with disabilities: Magali, bingo heart of OLO-Rotonde

We received this interview from OLO-Rotonde. Text and image: OLO-Rotonde.

For a little while, you are the sunshine for those people, simply by being there.

What if your own hobby is exactly what someone else needs?

Magali loves playing bingo. At OLO-Rotonde, she turns that hobby into something for others.

OLO-Rotonde supports more than 7,000 clients, young and old, and provides a safe home with around 1,000 employees. Magali is now in her third year as a volunteer there. Together with her family, she organizes bingo afternoons where the hall is packed every month.

Who is Magali?

Magali is 40 years old and lives with her wife and their four-year-old daughter in Brasschaat. She describes herself as someone who loves caring for others and gains energy from connection.

"I love board games, cooking, baking, and being creative. I also love the sea. That's where I completely unwind, getting away from all the hustle and bustle for a while. I also really love helping friends and family whenever I can."

From bingo player to volunteer at OLO-Rotonde

Magali is starting her third year as a volunteer at OLO-Rotonde.

"I love playing bingo myself and thought it was fantastic that I could make a difference for others by sharing that passion. When I first got the chance to host a bingo afternoon for sixty participants myself, I was super enthusiastic. I was terribly nervous that first time, but it went so smoothly that I was instantly hooked."

Due to the success of those afternoons, demand kept growing. That's why extra bingo sessions were added at an additional location within the organization, which Magali now also takes care of.

In addition, she regularly accompanies outings for smaller groups.

"I look forward to that weeks in advance every time."

Volunteering as a family project

Anyone who hears Magali talk about her volunteer work immediately senses how much passion goes into it.

"What gives me the most satisfaction is the immense gratitude of the participants. Their smile when they win a prize, have a chat, or simply know that someone is listening to them... that means so much."

After all these years, she knows all the participants by name.

"And they know us too. It really feels like one big family."

Her family plays an active role in that.

"My wife projects the numbers and helps participants when they're in doubt. My in-laws work behind the bar and my mom looks after our daughter during the bingo. It really has become a family project, and that makes it even better."

What do you get in return as a volunteer?

Over the years, Magali gathered many warm memories.

"I regularly receive Christmas cards or drawings from participants. Those are small things that mean so much."

Some moments are emotional too.

"When someone passes away and the family sends us an announcement, it touches me deeply. It means that we've found a place in their lives. As if we are part of their family."

Real friendships also developed.

"A close friendship even grew with one of the participants."

Bingo with people with disabilities: a full hall every month

What Magali had never expected was that the enthusiasm would remain so great year after year.

"Every month again, the hall is full. That remains incredible."

But above all, the participants themselves continue to inspire her.

"There is so much pureness in those people. Everyone has their own disability, their own story, but together they form something very special. I always call them my 'sweet darlings'. Of course there are some feisty personalities among them, but in the end we're just one big family."

How volunteering changed Magali

Volunteering has also changed Magali personally.

"I have developed even more admiration for people with disabilities. What started as a hobby has grown into a true passion. I host that bingo with so much love."

Even during the summer break she misses the contact.

"Then I really suffer from withdrawal a bit."

Warm, enthusiastic and caring

 That's how people would describe her, Magali thinks. In her free time she remains faithful to her passions: board games, being creative, and playing bingo herself. In addition, she visits her aunt every two to three days.

She would like to dispel a misconception about her special hobby.

"There's a stigma around bingo. People often think it's only something for the elderly or for a residential care center. But that's not true at all. It's fun for young and old, cozy, and you can win nice prizes too."

Small things make her happy.

"My wife and daughter, of course. But also connecting with people. When the people around me are happy, so am I. And a dark chocolate praline from Leonidas can make me very happy too."

What is she most proud of?

"That despite all the responsibilities, I still do this with so much joy. I'm responsible for the cash register, the prizes, and a hall full of participants, but it never feels heavy. On the contrary, it's pure enjoyment."

One wish: shorter waiting lists

If she could make one wish for OLO-Rotonde, she doesn't have to think twice.

"I hope that there will continue to be sufficient resources to give everyone with a disability the support they need. And that the waiting lists become as short as possible."

Become a volunteer? Just do it.

Magali has a clear message for people who are hesitating.

"Just do it. If only for the satisfaction you get in return. You never feel like you're working. You have fun and in the meantime you really make a difference."

And for those just starting out:

"Above all, stay true to yourself. Don't change. Do what you love doing and share that passion with others."

Her final words sum it up.

"Regardless of your age, vulnerability, or situation: you can make a difference. Simply by being yourself and taking a few hours a month. For someone else, that can really mean the world."

Thank you, Magali, for your enthusiasm and your warm heart. Every month you prove again how much difference one person can make.

Inspired? Find the volunteer work that suits you on giveaday.eu. Or check out what OLO-Rotonde has to offer right away