It’s National Volunteer Week (16-22 May), and this year’s theme is ‘Better Together’. There’s no doubt that the more than 600 volunteers who donate their time at Catholic Healthcare make life better for our residents, clients, patients and employees. We spoke with just a few of our wonderful volunteers, who all agree that they receive more than they give. Find out more about our volunteer program, we’d love you to join us and make a difference in the lives of older Australians, find out more about our volunteer program here:
Amy Spirling, Community Visitors' Scheme (CVS) Volunteer at McQuoin Park Residential Aged Care
How did you start working in as a volunteer? It all started when I used to visit my grandma at McQuoin Park and have tea with her: I think a seed was born at this time. I came to realise that the elderly are special and that they have stories to tell.
Describe your average day volunteering? Helping organise a variety of activities such as music, history, gardening, and painting.
Why do you think volunteering is important? I've been lucky to have lived a fairly privileged and interesting life, and spending time with someone who needs me is one of the best things for me to do.
What do you think volunteers bring to Catholic Healthcare's clients and the organisation? Their time, their perspectives, their kindness, their uniqueness.
What do volunteers get out of the program? Stories, lives lived and endorphins!
Peter Tang, Pastoral Care Volunteer with the Community Visitors' Scheme (CVS)
How did you start volunteering? When I retired in 2014, I saw a notice in my local church calling for volunteers. Since then, I’ve been a Pastoral Care volunteer for Catholic Healthcare and also for St Vincent de Paul. I am a Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) volunteer for Lifeline too.
Why do you think volunteering is important? It is an avenue for creating a better community. Also personally, the saying 'love your neighbour' lies at the heart of my faith.
Shona Dove, Phone Call Volunteer
How did you start working as a Volunteer? I felt I'd like to give something back to the community. Because I was expecting the arrival of several grandchildren, phone volunteering worked well as it didn't depend on me being at a certain place at a certain time.
What is the most rewarding part of your role? I really enjoy the conversations I have, and love getting to know the people I call. It is a real privilege to hear the stories that have made them who they are today and I find it very humbling that they are prepared to share that with me
What do you think volunteers bring to Catholic Healthcare's clients and the organisation? Volunteers bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding and come from all walks of life. As a nurse and a midwife for over 40 years I've worked closely with people both in their tough times and in their joyful welcoming of new life and this has made me very aware of the important common things we share as human beings.