A Brisbane grandmother who has clocked up 17 years volunteering at Mater Private Hospital Redland says the friendships she has made with staff and fellow volunteers has contributed to her ongoing service.
The longest serving volunteer at Mater Private Hospital Redland, Rhonda Clark, a 72-year-old from Capalaba, said it was a “nice feeling” knowing people were grateful for the time she has dedicated every week as an administration assistant.
“When I arrive, everyone is so pleased to see me and they are always up for a chat,” Mrs Clark, a former nurse, said.
“I look forward to volunteering every Tuesday. I have a husband — we have been married 52 years — but volunteering is good for me and gives me an opportunity to make more friends.
“I’ve made some really good friends who are volunteers here, even those who have left I’ve remained friends with.”
Shining the spotlight on International Volunteer Day on 5 December, Mater Private Hospital Redland Volunteer Coordinator Priscilla Brown is recognising and helping to promote the tireless work volunteers dedicate to Mater Hospitals around the state.
Ms Brown said the role of volunteers at the hospital was “incredibly important”.
“The gift of volunteering is very rewarding. To our new and long-serving volunteers, thank you for your ongoing support,” Ms Brown said.
“Volunteers at Mater Private Hospital Redland have contributed to more than 4,000 hours of service already this year.”
Mrs Clark said her volunteer duties included assisting administration staff by organising patient information packs and filing paperwork.
“There would be a lot more work for the administration staff to do if volunteers weren’t there to help out,” Mrs Clark said.
The former nurse said she had experience caring for older people and described volunteering in her community as “rewarding”.
“The most valuable life lesson I have learned is to treat people as you wish to be treated,” she said.
Anyone interested in volunteering can email the Volunteer Coordinator via priscilla.brown@mater.org.au