Individuals volunteer for many different reasons, and every year during Volunteer Week, organisations such as GV Hospice Care have the opportunity to celebrate and thank their volunteers for their invaluable contributions.
At the volunteer high tea on Thursday, May 23, GV Hospice Care president Jeanette Powell expressed her gratitude on behalf of the organisation.
She acknowledged the volunteers for their essential role in sustaining end-of-life care services in the region.
“It’s great to have these afternoon teas, but I know that’s not the reason why people volunteer,” Mrs Powell said.
“We are very lucky to have a great group of people who are passionate about ensuring we have enough funds to continue providing the services we do. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year; we really appreciate the work that they do.”
Mrs Powell also made special recognition at the event to Val Gibbs, who is retiring from volunteering after 17 years. Mrs Gibbs joined GV Hospice Care in 2007 and worked as a client care volunteer specialising in care for children.
“That is a really unique area of expertise,” Mrs Powell said.
“We are truly grateful for the work she has done with those families and children.
“In the past few years, Val has passed on her knowledge and passion by attending volunteer meetings and carer support group meetings while assisting Juliet and Bec with bereavement support.
“Thankfully, we won’t be losing her altogether as she will continue to volunteer with her church group and deliver hampers for our clients. What an incredible contribution she has made.”
From October to December last year, volunteers contributed 2000 hours at GV Hospice Care. That’s the equivalent of 8000 hours a year or four and a half full-time jobs.
For details about volunteering with GV Hospice Care, call 5822 0068 and ask to speak to Maree.