Age no barrier to volunteering

May 6, 2016

Ninety four-year-old Geelong resident Irene Herviou, will celebrate 25 years of volunteering with the Uniting AgeWell Kalkee Community next Tuesday, May 10, with a  special afternoon tea and presentation for National Volunteers Week.

Irene started volunteering with the Kalkee Community in pastoral care and has since given her time and skills to a number of Uniting AgeWell programs.

“Irene has also volunteered in the Murray Hostel dining room and the Kalkee Op Shop since it opened 20 years ago,” says Uniting AgeWell Volunteer Coordinator Heather Burger.

“The beauty of volunteering with Uniting AgeWell is everyone can bring their personal talent and passion and fit it in at whatever capacity they have.

“Our volunteers come from all walks of life and ages with many wanting to give back to the community in a friendly and relaxed environment.”

Jann Brearley is another one of Kalkee’s dedicated volunteers, volunteering five-and-a-half days a week and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Kalkee Op Shop in Belmont.  

“I’ve always enjoyed volunteering and have volunteered in many different organisations before coming to Kalkee in 2007,” Jann said.

“Volunteering is an excellent and practical way of giving back to the community, it gives me and a lot of our other volunteers a reason to get out of bed each day and keeps us mentally and physically strong.”

This National Volunteers Week is a wonderful recognition of the roles Uniting AgeWell volunteers play in the Kalkee Community.  Irene, Jann and other dedicated volunteers will enjoy a special afternoon tea and be presented with a small gift and a certificate of appreciation.

Photograph and interview opportunities are available.