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Sophie Holod (left) with her volunteer coordinator, Marina Krstova (right).
Sophie Holod’s story is a beautiful example of the power of connection and the impact of volunteering. Sophie has been volunteering with AMCS for 10 years, and back in 2014, she came across an opportunity to support Greek-speaking individuals. As someone of Greek descent, born in Australia, Sophie was immediately drawn to this role with AMCS. Her connection to her cultural background and willingness to help others in her community motivated her to reach out and express her interest.
Her background as a nurse, with over 50 years of experience in hospital care, made her a perfect fit for the role. Sophie was matched with two wonderful ladies living in the western suburbs of Melbourne, and it wasn’t long before she started making a meaningful impact. Speaking Greek with the ladies, Sophie quickly realised the importance of connecting with them in their native language—something that brought them immense joy and comfort.
Through their conversations, Sophie heard inspiring stories of their lives, from their early days in Australia to the challenges of learning English and building new friendships. Sophie found it particularly rewarding to learn about their journeys, especially as many of them had come from Greece to settle in Sydney and Melbourne, which hold some of the largest Greek communities outside of Athens.
For Sophie, volunteering over the past 10 years has been a deeply fulfilling experience. She recalls how one of her ladies, originally from Cyprus—her grandfather’s birthplace—shared touching memories of growing up in Cyprus and migrating to Australia. They spoke about the wonderful life she built with her husband and their two daughters, who have been her greatest support.
Although Sophie now visits just one lady, their bond remains as strong as ever. Their time together feels like family, with Sophie’s grandsons often being part of the conversation. They share stories, photos, and laughs, creating a lasting connection that benefits both Sophie and the seniors she visits.
Reflecting on her journey, Sophie says, “Volunteering has brought so much joy and improved health and well-being for both me and the seniors I support. It truly makes a difference in our community.”
At AMCS, we are incredibly grateful for volunteers like Sophie, who embody the values of care, support, and empowerment in everything they do.
Thank you, Sophie, for your dedication and the positive impact you’ve made over the past 10 years.
