Maurizio has enjoyed being a property guardian in one of our communal properties for a number of years. Since joining Dot Dot Dot he’s volunteered with a sustainable farm in south east London.
We caught up with him about his nomadic life before guardianship and the benefits of volunteering.
Life before property guardianship
Before joining Dot Dot Dot, Maurizio was a self-proclaimed nomad. “I used to travel a lot and would house sit regularly,” he tells us. “But when the pandemic hit everyone stopped travelling. No one needed me to look after their homes anymore.”
“I decided to become a property guardian because it offered me the opportunity to live in London while I study and work part-time,” Maurizio explains. “One of the greatest benefits of being a property guardian is the cost.”
All about Sitopia Farm
Maurizio fulfills his volunteering requirement at Sitopia Farm – a social enterprise in south east London.
“I’ve been volunteering at Sitopia since it was founded in 2021,” Maurizio says. “It’s a fantastic organisation which grows seasonal, organic vegetables through sustainable agriculture practices.”
“They sell their produce to local restaurants,” he goes on. “And I also help out at their pop-up shops on the weekends. Young children can also visit the farm on the weekend and learn how to grow lettuce.”
The benefits of volunteering
Volunteers have a huge impact on the organisations they help.
“I’ve helped the organisation achieve many things,” Maurizio says. “I built an irrigation system which has helped free up time for volunteers to do other things. Before that we had to water plants with a watering can. I also meet new volunteers and help them feel involved.”
But Maurizio also recognises the benefits volunteering has had on his own life.
“Volunteering has also had a huge impact on my life,” Maurizio reveals. “Before Dot Dot Dot, I did some volunteering, but since becoming a guardian I volunteer more regularly. It gets me outside, I use my hands and meet new people. It’s actually so important for my mental health as I’m in front of a screen for 10 hours a day.”