From playing the piano at a concert to bringing the house down in his role as the hapless Prince in a Puss ‘n Boots theatre production, no two days are ever the same for volunteer Rod Tucker.
Rod, 71, volunteers one day a week at Uniting AgeWell Kalkee Nangatta, and frequently at Kalkee Murray where he often accompanies aged care residents on outings across the city.
It’s second nature to him. He worked in the Lifestyle Team at Kalkee Nangatta for 18 years before he retired at the age of 67.
“I started volunteering straight away after retiring,” explains Rod. “I missed the staff and I certainly missed the residents! I loved my career, and volunteering is equally rewarding. There’s a wonderful culture at both facilities, the people are great – I just love being there.”
On International Volunteer’s Day on December 5, it’s time to put the spotlight on volunteers, like Rod, who brighten up the lives of older people by offering their time to help where needed – and in so many ways!
Rod was a star performer at the recent Celebration of Ageing Well events held at Uniting AgeWell’s residential and other sites to mark the 20th anniversary of the organisation and milestone length of service of staff members.
He tinkled the ivories at the performance by Voice of Freedom, the Kalkee Nangatta choir consisting of staff members, who sang old favourites like Aint she sweet for a fabulous morning tea and celebration for Barwon home care clients at the Belmont Uniting Church.
Then it was off to Kalkee Nangatta where he played the role of Prince Tom in the show put on by the Nangatta Theatre, affectionately known to everyone as ‘Nollywood’. The cast was made up of staff members and a resident, Terry Gray, who played the role of the King.
“We all had such fun,” he recalls. “It’s lovely to make older people smile.”
The Geelong resident reckons he knows the area like the back of his hand, and also delights in going on bus trip outings with residents and showing them beautiful and interesting places they’ve never been to before.
When he’s not volunteering, Rod, who is a grandfather, loves watching sport and walking.
His advice to others thinking of volunteering? “Do it! It enriches your life and gives you a feeling of joy to be enriching the lives of older people too.”
Learn more about volunteering with Uniting AgeWell