Ramp Up Marathon County Volunteer Profile: Richard (Dick) Keding

We are fortunate to have so many wonderful volunteers who help Ramp Up Marathon County fulfill its mission. We will, from time to time, feature profiles of individual volunteers on this blog. Here, to start us off, is a profile of volunteer Richard (Dick) Keding.

Dick first heard about volunteer opportunities with Ramp Up Marathon County through a United Way information meeting. He began volunteering for Ramp Up in 2015 because he likes to build things and help others.

Dick Keding at a Ramp Up Marathon County build. Spring 2016

When helping on a ramp building project, Dick does whatever is asked of him, from moving materials to cutting boards to assembling the ramps. He has also served as the lead person on a recent ramp build and has built one small ramp by himself.

Dick has a strong desire to help others.

"I like to see people's joy and how grateful they are when we get their ramp built for them," Dick recently stated. "I also like to build, and I like the group of people that volunteer for Ramp Up Marathon County. Everyone is very friendly and willing to help each other."

There are a variety of skills levels among the volunteers. Sometimes Dick can teach others, and other times he learns from them. Either way, the group continues to bond, and ramps get built.

People who receive a ramp are very grateful for the new freedom it gives them. And Dick likes the way the ramp makes life easier for the person in need of assistance - whether they use a wheelchair or walker - and makes life easier for their caregivers and family as well. "It has to be a load off everyone's minds," he said. "It's a great feeling and makes me proud to be able to help folks stay in their homes longer and make it easier to get out and about."

Ramp Up stretches every donated dollar by carefully planning and purchasing materials for projects. The group also uses good materials from reclaimed ramps when possible. (Reclaimed ramps are simply residential ramps that are no longer used and donated to the organization.)

In addition to his Ramp Up Marathon County, Dick also volunteers for Blessings in a Backpack. Ramp Up projects are primarily in the summer, and Blessings activity is during the school year, so the two together provide year-round volunteer opportunities.

"If you want to make folks happy and like to be around those that want to help others, then this is a great volunteer opportunity," Dick said. "You don't have to be a carpenter or know about construction. You just need to want to help others and be willing to learn. We will put you to work."

If you are interested in volunteering for Ramp Up Marathon County or would just like more information, contact Ramp Up Marathon County Volunteer Coordinator, John Ohnstad, at 715-544-4346.