Global recognition for volunteers
Embodying the spirit of International Volunteer Day is Florence Eremugo, who is one of 450 volunteers at South Australian aged care community service facility, Resthaven. Ms Eremugo will be acknowledged today (Monday, 5 December 2011), along with other volunteers, for their selfless services as International Volunteer Day marks its 10th anniversary.
Resthaven volunteer Florence Eremugo with residents Ted and Dulcie Collins – Supplied by Resthaven
Embodying the spirit of International Volunteer Day is Florence Eremugo, who is one of 450 volunteers at South Australian aged care community service facility, Resthaven.
Ms Eremugo will be acknowledged today (Monday, 5 December 2011), along with other volunteers, for their selfless services as International Volunteer Day marks its 10th anniversary.
Ms Eremugo, who was born in Sudan, moved to Uganda and migrated to Australia five years ago, recently joined the facility’s volunteer program in October, where she visits Resthaven clients, Ted and Dulcie Collins, who share Ms Eremugo’s love of gardens.
“They have a beautiful big garden. I love spending time with them, as I used to enjoy gardening back in Uganda,” Ms Eremugo tells DPS News, adding it was her desire to help people which initially drew her to the volunteer program.
“I really enjoy my job as a volunteer. All of the things we do together are enjoyable, including sharing some of the problems residents are facing,” she adds.
Ms Eremugo, who is now studying to become an enrolled nurse, will join other Resthaven volunteers as they receive a memento pin in appreciation of their support for Resthaven clients and residents.
Figures released last week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show more than one-third of Australians engaged in voluntary work last year, with more women volunteering than men.
People aged 65 years and over mostly volunteered for welfare and community organisations, whereas 27% of volunteers were also more likely than non-volunteers to provide care to someone with a disability, long-term health conditions or problems with old age.
Interested in dedicating some of your time to help someone in need? Contact Resthaven’s Stacey Thompson on (08) 8206 0102 or email sthompson@resthaven.asn.au.
