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Meet Vyn Tozer
For more than 30 years, Vyn Tozer has quietly dedicated his time to serving others at Ozanam House. For Vyn though, “it doesn’t feel like that long. Time flies when you’re enjoying yourself.” What began as a simple act of giving back has become a deeply meaningful part of his life, grounded in gratitude, faith and community.
Over the decades, Vyn has taken on many roles. From preparing food and serving meals to what he proudly describes as his “true calling” – being a master dishwasher, he has always been happy to do whatever is needed. For Vyn, volunteering has never been about recognition. It is about helping create a welcoming space where people feel cared for, respected and valued.
The inspiration to volunteer was planted early in life by his parents, especially his mother, whose strong Christian faith and compassion for others left a lasting impression. “She taught me that we should always help those less fortunate than ourselves,” Vyn reflects. Later in life, volunteering also became a way for him to give thanks for the many blessings he feels he has received. That included being raised in a loving family, marrying his wife Prue, raising their own family together and enjoying success in both work and life.
“I’m a very happy and grateful person,” he says. “I truly believe that in life, the giver gains as much, if not more, than the person receiving help.”
What keeps Vyn coming back year after year is the people. He speaks warmly about the friendships and connections he has built with fellow volunteers, staff and guests alike. He especially treasures volunteering alongside his “darling wife of 58 years”, Prue, as well as working with the dedicated Ozanam House team, including Louise and Anna.
While there is no single story that stands out from his many years of volunteering, Vyn says the experience has continually reinforced his belief in the goodness of people. Inspired by the teachings of Franciscan priest Fr Richard Rohr, Vyn begins each day with a simple prayer: “God, please grant that I see you in everything and everyone else today.”
For Vyn, that prayer comes to life every time he volunteers at Ozanam House.
“I see God’s love on display in the smiles, the shared stories and the expressions of thanks from the people we have the privilege to serve,” he says.
Through three decades of humble service, Vyn has shown that kindness, compassion and community can make a profound difference not only in the lives of others, but in our own as well.
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Over the decades, Vyn has taken on many roles. From preparing food and serving meals to what he proudly describes as his “true calling” – being a master dishwasher, he has always been happy to do whatever is needed. For Vyn, volunteering has never been about recognition. It is about helping create a welcoming space where people feel cared for, respected and valued.
The inspiration to volunteer was planted early in life by his parents, especially his mother, whose strong Christian faith and compassion for others left a lasting impression. “She taught me that we should always help those less fortunate than ourselves,” Vyn reflects. Later in life, volunteering also became a way for him to give thanks for the many blessings he feels he has received. That included being raised in a loving family, marrying his wife Prue, raising their own family together and enjoying success in both work and life.
“I’m a very happy and grateful person,” he says. “I truly believe that in life, the giver gains as much, if not more, than the person receiving help.”
What keeps Vyn coming back year after year is the people. He speaks warmly about the friendships and connections he has built with fellow volunteers, staff and guests alike. He especially treasures volunteering alongside his “darling wife of 58 years”, Prue, as well as working with the dedicated Ozanam House team, including Louise and Anna.
While there is no single story that stands out from his many years of volunteering, Vyn says the experience has continually reinforced his belief in the goodness of people. Inspired by the teachings of Franciscan priest Fr Richard Rohr, Vyn begins each day with a simple prayer: “God, please grant that I see you in everything and everyone else today.”
For Vyn, that prayer comes to life every time he volunteers at Ozanam House.
“I see God’s love on display in the smiles, the shared stories and the expressions of thanks from the people we have the privilege to serve,” he says.
Through three decades of humble service, Vyn has shown that kindness, compassion and community can make a profound difference not only in the lives of others, but in our own as well.