MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Date: May 2024
Balwyn Evergreen Centre is giving a big shout out to its 90-volunteer group this National Volunteers Week (May 20-27), as it celebrates this invaluable group of people who provide positive experiences to clients every day of the week with authenticity, friendship and joy.
According to Tina Hogarth-Clarke, CEO, Balwyn Evergreen Centre, volunteering at Evergreen makes a meaningful difference to people’s lives, through conversation and connection.
“Our volunteers are simply an amazing group of people who are there for our clients. Whether it is driving clients to an outing, walking a client’s dog, having a cuppa with a resident at an aged care facility through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme or supporting one of our many classes, our volunteers are the part of the fabric of our wonderful community,” Tina said.
“Our community is vibrant and healthy when care and support is focused on our clients, and our volunteers are a pivotal part of that equation.
“Our volunteers come from all walks of life, and it is that diversity which makes our volunteer community truly special. From university students, ex nurses to retirees, our volunteers are champions in what they do and what they give to our Evergreen community.” Tina added.
Raylene Golder, a 69-year-old volunteer at Balwyn Evergreen, has been an integral part of the Senior Divas Program for the past six years.
Every fortnight, she supports Social Support Group Lead, Elise Walle, to bring together a lively group of twelve women who gather for friendship and conversation. Raylene's commitment to the group is deeply rooted in her career in hospitals spanning four decades, including 25 years as a nurse.
Her passion for volunteering stems from her early retirement to care for her mother and a desire to find meaningful engagement. Raylene cherishes her role, finding joy in being around people and hearing their fascinating stories, like that of Ruth, a remarkable 102-year-old Diva.
As Raylene says, “I feel really privileged to be part of their lives; they have had such interesting experiences.”
To Raylene, volunteering is about a genuine interest in people, the pleasure of helping out, and the satisfaction of knowing she has made a positive impact.
To find out more about volunteering with Balwyn Evergreen please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Kerri on 9836 9681 / volunteer@balwynevergreen.org.au
or visit www.balwynevergreen.org.au/volunteer
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