There are so many volunteers in our community who give generously of their time and hearts to worthy causes. They say that in helping others, they too are uplifted and it’s a win-win for everyone. Their sense of purpose and warmth are truly inspiring.
Myles Thompson
St Andrew’s Meals on Wheels
How long have you been volunteering? Seventeen years.
Why do you volunteer? Initially because I had retired when I was 55 but couldn’t access my superannuation. To fulfil the requirements of Centrelink at the time I volunteered for 30 hours a fortnight. Over the years I’ve enjoyed volunteering so much I’ve continued volunteering even though I now have a pension. Volunteering keeps me physically and mentally active as well as providing the opportunity for stimulating social interaction.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering? I really enjoy the sense of fulfilment I feel knowing I’m helping people in need and contributing something back to the community. The social interaction with clients and other volunteers over the years has also been very rewarding.
CONNECT NOW:
www.mealsonwheels.com.au
Beatrice Melvin
Althea Projects Inc
How long have you been volunteering? Six years.
Why do you volunteer? I’ve been retired for 19 years from the Royal Australian Air Force where I served for 23 years. Volunteering Friday mornings each week at Wee Care helps me feel like I’m giving something back to my community. I began volunteering at Wee Care on Friday mornings as there were budgeting constraints and they needed assistance with administration work and the Emergency Relief Funding Program. I’ve known Lynne Josey (the Manager of Wee Care) for many years and she mentioned to me that there was a need for help. I put my hand up straight away.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering? I know that volunteering helps make a difference to the lives of Townsville families and children.
I feel a sense of pride in volunteering as I believe in the work that Althea Projects carries out in our community. They help eliminate some of the pressures that face families daily.
CONNECT NOW:
www.altheaprojects.org.au
Marco Chan
Canteen Australia – NQLD
How long have you been volunteering? I’ve been volunteering as Medical Volunteer for Canteen since March 2017.
Why do you volunteer? Volunteering has always been tremendously rewarding for me. When I was a child, my parents would take me to help senior citizens of a remote area in Hong Kong. Living conditions in the area were poor and the aged community was destitute. It was through helping those less fortunate my parents taught me invaluable lessons in social justice. As a volunteer at Canteen, I’ve had the honour to work with young people who remain strong and courageous in overcoming the challenges inherent in having cancer in their lives.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering? I really enjoy being able to apply my clinical skills to help others outside of the hospital environment. It’s delightful to be part of an organisation that’s devoted to the wellbeing of others and to observe how my small contribution can make a positive impact on someone else’s life.
CONNECT NOW:
www.canteen.org.au/donate/