Remo Ascenzo has been volunteering at Benalla Health for three years now, but taking on other roles, has been volunteering altogether for more than 16 years.
“Volunteering to me isn’t a job, it’s never a job to me, it’s getting up in the morning knowing I’m coming to the hospital, not because I have to, but because I want to,” he said.
“It gives me life, it’s really a fantastic feeling.”
A day in the life of Remo the Benalla Health volunteer starts with setting up for morning tea.
Then there is a walk and doing some exercises, and then bingo of course.
“That’s the big thing, you’ve got to play bingo,” he said.
“It’s a win-win situation. You feel happy seeing other people happy, that is part of the reason I volunteer.
“If you’re thinking about volunteering, don’t think about it, do it, and don’t be put off by how big the hospital is.
“If you want to just do an hour, just do it. Don’t hesitate.
“The time is now, not tomorrow. You’ll be amazed at how rewarding it is.
“It’s not a job, it’s not something you are forced to do, it’s a thing that you will love doing because of the smiles and everything that’s around you,” he said.