A little helping hand can go a long way.
And at Mercy Place Wyndham, its volunteers are getting a little special attention this week for National Volunteer Week, which runs between May 8-14.
Among its volunteers are Werribee’s Kathy Kretzschmar and Lynne Stewart, who have donated their time for the past two years and 11 months respectively.
Ms Stewart pops in three times a week, spending one-on-one time with residents in the memory support unit, while Ms Kretzschmar runs the knitting group and coffee club at the home, and also spends quality one-on-one time with residents in both high and low care.
“Mum’s here, and I just thought I’d give it a try,” Ms Kretzschmar said.
“I’m enjoying it, being with the residents – you get to know both the residents and their families too.”
Ms Stewart added: “A friend of mine advised me to look into volunteering before I retire.
“It’s just really satisfying.”
Meanwhile, Wyndham council celebrated volunteers from across the municipality yesterday with a morning tea at the civic centre.
Mayor Henry Barlow said more than 12,000 Wyndham residents volunteer their time to various organisations.
“Whether it’s through Meals on Wheels, the home library service, crisis support services, or the hundreds of other ways they generously offer up their time – we thank them.”
