Volunteer

Luigi started volunteering for AMCS to help seniors from multicultural backgrounds in Victoria.

Danuta, 87, lives in her home in Bentleigh. Her case manager referred her to AMCS for the Community Visitors Scheme. First, she enjoyed the company of several female Polish volunteers with similar backgrounds and upbringings.

AMCS then offered to connect her with Luigi. At first, she was reluctant because she did not believe she would have common interests with a male volunteer.

Three months later, they now appreciate every minute together.

“I always look forward to Luigi’s visits very much,” Danuta said. “I can chat for hours. He is not boring, and we talk about anything and everything.”

Danuta loves sharing her memories and travel stories, and Luigi adores her.

“I feel that I’m needed and my role as a volunteer is much appreciated,” Luigi said.

Social Support individual client, Theodora, was excited to meet her volunteer, Rebecca, who also speaks her language. Theodora loves clothes shopping, cooking and welcomed us into her home with a freshly baked cake. She showed us her amazing recipes and gave tips and wisdom about food preparation. Rebecca loves Theodora’s stories and drives for 30 minutes to meet her weekly.

Gina and her new volunteer, Emma, started phone calls during restrictions and they formed a bond straight away with their mutual passion for gardening. On 9 November 2020, they met in person at Gina’s backyard and discussed gardening and admired the thriving plants.

Aven, Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) Home Care client, loves art and painting. Claudia, a volunteer visitor, accompanied her to the National Gallery of Victoria, where Aven was full of knowledge about the artworks.

Whenever they meet, they visit the beach, grab a coffee or simply chat at Aven’s home.

“We try to do something different every time we’re together,” Claudia said. “Time always flies between us. This amazing experience allows me to learn from older people.”

I have been volunteering for a couple of years. Recently, I met Dana who lives nearby. Two years ago, Dana had a stroke and is struggling to recover. Her mobility is limited to a few steps with a walker and a couple of falls have left her frightened. She is pretty much stuck in her chair except for doctors’ appointments.

I pick Dana up weekly and we set off for a drive. We stop at a café for coffee and sometimes lunch. Each week, I find a different location for a change of scenery or maybe a little shopping trip. Dana is happy to go anywhere that gets her out of the house.

Slowly I noticed a change in Dana. When I arrive, she is always smiling and eager to set off for our few hours together.

One time, she thanked me and asked me why I wanted to help her.

I replied, “Dana, Why not?”

I strongly encourage anyone thinking of volunteering his or her time. Rewarding for everyone involved.

CVS Home Care client Ernest Parkins and his volunteer Joanna Boberski met between two major lockdowns. He loves music, socialising, learning the guitar, live music and dancing in a community club. Joanna is a brilliant listener and an incredibly valued volunteer.

Our youngest volunteers, Jack (8) and Henry Jones (1) regularly visit CVS Residential client Nancy Roberts and give her flowers. Jack also makes bugs out of egg cartons and felt balls. Originally, he wanted to create a cardboard sword the size of half of Nancy’s room, but his parents persuaded him to give smaller gifts.

Volunteer Atish Bangara regularly drives SSI client Eve De Bono to the cemetery to visit her husband’s gravestone.

Beata Maslo was an AMCS Support Worker until she retired in July 2022. She worked at AMCS for four and a half years and supported clients with shopping, home care and cleaning.

Once retired, she joined the AMCS Volunteer Visiting Programs where individuals offer social support to seniors at risk of loneliness.

“I enjoy talking to older people. Recently, I met Francesca who is from an Italian background. She talked about her life. We’ll go for coffee and walk outside in the future.”

Marta called Halina, Home Care Package client, regularly during lockdowns. Although Marta does not drive because there is little public transport around her, she still finds a way to bring Halina’s favourite flowers, nasturtium.

Max started visiting seniors two years ago and now drives a bus for AMCS Centre-based Respite and shopping groups. He stays back weekly and helps in the Respite Group’s kitchen.

“I enjoy volunteering. The people I drive, and club members are family. It’s a fulfilling job and gives me a purpose in retirement,” Max says.

Iwona Jaskulska started volunteering with AMCS in October 2018, providing companionship to older adults at risk of social isolation. She visits four seniors, takes them shopping and stays with them longer than the volunteer position requires.

“I am a very social person. I love meeting people and helping them,” Iwona says. “I was working as a kindergarten teacher for many years. Caring for others is in my blood.”