Volunteers celebrated next month

Six years ago Robin Cram retired from his job, and soon after told his wife he wouldn’t be home for the day because he had “something to do”.

Since, the 65-year-old has been volunteering at South Australia’s Meals on Wheels Woodville kitchen and is now the chairman and kitchen welfare officer at the branch.

Mr Cram (featured) spoke to DPS News as National Volunteer Week approaches next month, starting 14 May 2012.

“Volunteering is really rewarding and you get a lot out of it, especially at Easter time and Christmas. Sometimes we might be the only person that client sees all day,” he said.

While age and disability may reduce some people’s capacity to get out and about, Meals on Wheels helps make it possible for people to stay in their homes, where most are happiest, and maintain some independence.

Delivery of nutritious meals, social interaction and regular visits ensure  clients’ wellbeing and can help people live the lives they choose.

From its inception over 50 years ago, Meals on Wheels has grown to become a driving force of care in the community. More than 14.8 million meals are delivered by more than 78,700 volunteers to about 53,000 recipients Australia wide in cities, regional and rural areas each year.

Mr Cram said choosing to give up his time to help others was the “best thing” he has ever done.

“When I retired and started volunteering, my health improved and it’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. You don’t have to bite your lip as you may do at an ordinary workplace because, here, everyone is delighted to see you,” he said.

Meeting a range of people from different backgrounds, each with their own story to tell, Mr Cram encourages others to take the opportunity to volunteer a few hours of their day.

“It doesn’t matter how old you are or whether you can just give one or two hours of your time, volunteering is really rewarding for everyone.

“You need  to be stimulated mentally and physically. People are talking about achieving a work/life balance, and volunteering can really achieve this. I wish I signed up years ago.”

GoVolunteer, an initiative of Volunteering Australia, is a volunteer recruitment website which lists more than 11,000 volunteer positions throughout Australia each month. 

For more information or if you are interested in volunteering, visit www.govolunteer.com.au, or alternatively, you can contact your State or Territory Volunteer Centre or your nearest Volunteer Resource Centre (VRC).

Stay tuned for a DPS News story in the days leading up to National Volunteer Week, as we speak to a West Australian aged care volunteer who shares his satisfaction in giving up his time to make a difference to the lives of the elderly.