Volunteer Stories
Bright and Happy: Joe Walsh, volunteer at Karana
Joe Walsh has been volunteering at Baptcare’s Karana Community in Kew for over seven years. Together with Karana’s lifestyle coordinator he formed a carer’s support group. This group supports families of the Karana residents and takes them on monthly outings. Through one of Joe’s contacts, a Memorial Garden was set up for reflection and special services at the facility. Joe often assists with activities and he knows who attends which activity, which is a great help to the coordinating staff. He knows all residents and staff at Karana and holds a special place in people’s hearts.
When asked: “What does Joe mean to you?” some of the residents’ replies are as follows:
“There is a man called Joe Walsh, who has to be Karana’s best ever. Joe is everyone’s friend. He is a volunteer of many years standing. He is always bright and happy. We thank God for Joe Walsh.” – Phyl Taylor, Karana resident.
“Joe Walsh, how thankful we are for him for all that he does for us and all that his friendship means to us. Caring, reliable and always there when we need him. To all at Karana he is like family. We thank God for all that he does for us.” – Frida Kingdom, Karana resident.
Volunteers at the Christmas Gift Wrapping Stalls
The Christmas gift wrapping stalls are Baptcare’s largest community fundraising event. Last year, we raised over $32,000 at five sites across Melbourne. And we couldn’t have done it without our valuable volunteers! It was truly inspiring to see the diverse range of people that lent a hand in what can be the busiest time of the year. There was a very festive atmosphere and customers were really into the Christmas spirit. They often paid more than required for the service, as they knew the proceeds would contribute to important programs to benefit disadvantaged and disabled children.
If you would like to wrap presents for a valuable cause this Christmas, let us know!
Dawn, a Caring Friend Volunteer
Dawn is one of our first Caring Friend Volunteers. The Caring Friendsprogram has commenced in the Bairnsdale region and is expanding into other regional areas. Through the program, the volunteer (Dawn) is carefully matched with a Baptcare Community Aged Care client (Lena). The volunteer and client have regular contact and have become friends.Dawn visits Lena regularly andthrough this program, many isolated members arereconnected to their community.
Norm and Betty, Bargain Browser Volunteers
Norm and Betty are a dedicated and supportive team to the Tottenham Bargain Browser Store. They have given 25 years of voluntary service and their commitment to staff and customers has been wonderful. The staff at Tottenham are so fond of this dynamic duo that they refer to them as “Pop & Nan”!
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Volunteering
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