Uniting AgeWell’s army of more than 680 volunteers is being acknowledged across the organisation this week as part of National Volunteer Week celebrations.
Volunteering at Uniting AgeWell comes in many shapes and sizes with volunteers hosting music sessions, working in our Op Shop, running Men’s Shed workshops, taking residents out into the community or simply dropping in for a chat and cup of tea.
One volunteer from Uniting AgeWell’s Strath-Haven Community has brought her own personal touch and style to the Bendigo residence, delivering bouquets of flowers to residents every Wednesday, and offering companionship and conversation along the way.
“They love the flowers, it adds a bit of normality, I think,” says Bev. “It’s a bit of the garden that brings back memories of bygone years. I think I get as much out of it as they do because I love to have a chat to them.”
Bev began volunteering at Strath-Haven nine years ago. She has been encouraging residents to come together and socialise at monthly meetings and afternoon teas ever since.
“My philosophy is, if I can give half a dozen people, if that’s all there is, a happy afternoon, I’ve achieved what I wanted to do,” says Bev.
National Volunteer Week runs from May 8-14 with the theme ‘Give Happy, Live Happy’.