National Volunteers Week 10 – 16 May
It’s National Volunteer Week so have fun, learn new skills and make someone’s life a little more joyful by volunteering, just like Bernardina Torresan.
Originally from Italy, Bernardina made Australia her home 46 years ago.
“There used to be a radio program in Italian at night, which used to bring us news direct from Italy and in many ways it was like a companion,” she says.
Bernardina has been a volunteer at UnitingCare Ageing’s Lucan Care Community Centre in Lilyfield for the past 18 years.
“At first I used to volunteer in the kitchen and help as a cuoca,” (cook) she says.
“But now I come to the Italian group every Friday and help with the activities.”
Gillian McFee, director, UnitingCare Ageing says that volunteers are vital to the well-being and vitality of the more than 14,000 older people the organisation cares for.
“We have 3,000 volunteers who assist us in a range of ways, everything from playing musical instruments and maintenance through to helping on outings and with the running of activities. They are a critical part of how we deliver care in our organisation.
“Their generosity of spirit in providing their time and skills has such a positive impact on people – not only clients but their families and staff and we are thankful for their efforts,” she says.
The skills necessary to become a volunteer are whatever talents, hobbies or pastimes you already possess.
Our volunteers donate as much time as they would like to, with no pressure to fulfil a certain number of hours, Ms McFee commented.
Another volunteer, Gabrielle McMann, works fulltime caring for children and volunteers with her son Kipp twice a month at UnitingCare Ageing.
“I love the elderly,” she says, “I love their stories, their lives. I hope that when I am older that someone makes time to come and visit me.”
Gabrielle began volunteering when she was at school as part of the Social Work Council and visited a resident who she called Super Gran.
“Years later, I saw an ad in the paper calling for volunteers, and I knew I wanted to get back to that again”.
National Volunteers Week begins 10 May. The week provides an opportunity to acknowledge the enormous contribution volunteers show every day.
Their dedication and compassion make a world of difference to thousands of Australians.
Ways to volunteer:
- Have a chat
- Participate in social events such as bus outings and fetes
- Lend a hand with morning tea
- Read a book to someone who is visually impaired
- Take your children for a visit. Many older people don’t have grandchildren close by to spoil
- Help out in the garden
