Uniting AgeWell sites across Victoria and Tasmania are celebrating the contributions of their volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week (21-27 May).
More than 700 volunteers selflessly give their time across Uniting AgeWell sites, programs and services to enrich the lives of others.
They provide friendship to clients, contribute to events, garden, and assist with administration, transport, and much more.
Uniting AgeWell CEO Andrew Kinnersly praised the selfless commitment of Uniting AgeWell’s volunteers.
“Our volunteers each make a valuable contribution to Uniting AgeWell and we are extremely grateful to them for doing so,” he said.
“We could not provide the exceptional level of care our clients enjoy every day without our loyal and devoted army of volunteers.”
Among the ‘army’ of volunteers is Philip Bezemer who runs a weekly indoor bowls activity at Uniting AgeWell’s Box Hill Community and often spends additional time visiting residents one-on-one.
Philip enjoys playing Scrabble with his friends or popping in for a chat with them during the week.
“The people I speak with have many, many years of stories to tell,” Philip said.
“I enjoy hearing about their careers, families, stories of growing up in another country or their experience of war time. I also have the opportunity to share stories about my own life or discuss things that are happening in the news.”
As a retiree, doing something meaningful each day is highly important to Philip.
“Often, at the end of the day I ask myself what contribution I’ve made to the world,” he said.
“When I’ve been to Box Hill Community, I feel that I’ve made a worthwhile contribution.”
Click here to find out more about volunteering at Uniting AgeWell.