Volunteering at Cabanda

Words from Cabanda Volunteers

Joy says: 'As a resident in the Independent Living Units of Cabanda Aged Care, unable to be involved in the community as I would like, being a volunteer in the Hostel area has become most fulfilling.

To walk through the front door and feel the friendship, trust and love of residents and staff is a great compensation.

Also to fraternise with other friendly volunteers, especially seeing the young schoolies being so helpful and cheerful, and committed to their tasks, the realisation surfaces, what an important role we are playing as we serve our older generation and each other.

Many hands make light work, easing into a life of fun and laughter, each helping another to make light of problems that tend to arise. Our Cabanda Volunteers will always make room for newcomers, eager to share the pleasure we enjoy.'

Melissa writes: 'I have been working in Cabanda as a volunteer for five years. I had some spare time and was not quite sure what to do with it. A friend told me about volunteering in Cabanda, and I decided to give it a go. I have made many friends, and Cabanda is like a second family to me. I do hope that I can continue with my volunteer work for many years to come.'

Jeannie tells us: 'I am a volunteer for Meals On Wheels. Every month I look forward to my trip, in visiting several people, delivering meals to them. It is such a pleasure to see the nice smiles and to receive the Thank You.'

Bernie says: 'My wife is a volunteer worker at Cabanda and told me how much she enjoyed working with the staff and residents and as I am retired, she suggested that maybe I would enjoy spending time as a volunteer.

I now facilitate the men's activities in the recently built Activities 'Shed'. The idea of having the men together in the shed, is to do what we normally would do when a bunch of mates gets together. We tell yarns and jokes, play cards etc. Everyone is encouraged to participate in coming up with ideas that are of interest. Some men like to play cards, others may like to make home brew (non-alcoholic ginger beer) or put together kits.

Other volunteer activities I assist with include gardening and driving the mini bus on Friday. This involves taking residents, as well as aged people from Rosewood, Thagoona and Walloon areas to Ipswich. I drop them off wherever they want to go. Doctors, hairdressers etc., or just shopping. Later I pick them up and return them to their homes.

How do I feel about being a volunteer? To me it's that feeling you get when you give someone a present you know they really appreciate - except you're not giving to just one person you're giving to many. And it's obvious to me that the small part I play is appreciated by the people I assist. Since working at Cabanda I have been touched by the friendly attitude, dedication and genuine concern shown by all the staff and volunteers towards residents and clients. I sincerely hope that if the time comes when I may need to be placed in an aged persons home that I am placed in a home like Cabanda.'