FOR some, volunteering at a school canteen, local group or visitor’s scheme brings fulfillment. Others recognise the need and heed the call.
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This has been National Volunteers Week, and those within the community who set aside time to give without taking have been feted for their acts of generosity.
Olga Scanlon volunteers at the Legacy shop and McLean Care.
She said spending time with residents of the dementia wing fills several needs.
“To keep my mind active, and give other people pleasure, what I can do for them,” she said.
“I didn't have time enough for my mum, so by giving back to them was like helping out mum when she needed me.”
Dick and Margaret Wales have taken their passion for singing to McLean, where they regularly share music, and in the process, evoke memories in many elderly residents who have transformed with the music.
“We’ve seen people who would not talk, or they'll just lay there, not aware of anything, but a certain song you sing, it’d just wake them up, and they start singing it,” Margaret said.
“It’s just as well we do it, really, because they do enjoy it,” Dick added.
They'll just lay there, not aware of anything, but a certain song you sing, it’d just wake them up, and they start singing it.
- Margaret Wales
Aileen Kenny has been a stalwart volunteer for years.
“When my children were at school, I volunteered at the school, down in the tuck shop, on the committees, and things like that,” Aileen said.
“Then when we lived in Coffs Harbour - I volunteered for seven years in Neighbour Aid.”
Aileen now works with residents of McLean’s Arawatta Lodge doing seated exercises for those with restricted mobility.
“You get so much out of it, probably a lot of satisfaction, you get enjoyment,” she said.
“And you're helping the community and I always like to do my volunteering with aged people.”
We can’t even put a dollar figure on them; that’s how important they are.
- Sue Thomson
McLean chief executive officer Sue Thomson said their volunteers were their most valuable resource.
“Crucial to make sure our residents are able to have that little bit of attention and care,” Sue said.
“We can’t even put a dollar figure on them; that’s how important they are.”