Honouring the volunteer spirit in Richmond
May 12 - 18 is National Volunteer Week. It is a time for the nation to recognise the amazing work of approximately 34% (5.4 million) of the Australian population.
The ANGLICARE Chesalon Day Centre in Richmond is using National Volunteer Week as a time to honour their nine dedicated volunteers.
On May 16 at 10:30am a morning tea will be held in their honour and the volunteers will receive awards from Volunteering Australia.
The Chesalon Day Centre offers respite for up to three days a week to carers of people with dementia. It provides a stimulating program in a small home-like environment.
Carol French, Coordinator of Chesalon Day Centre Richmond, says that without volunteers this unique and essential service would cease to exist.
“We rely heavily on our volunteers. They are indispensable to the work we do in the centre,” she says.
“Our volunteers do everything. They cook lunch, assist on the bus run, help with art and craft and generally have lots of fun.”
The 2008 theme for National Volunteer Week is ‘Volunteers Change Our World’. With this in mind it is important the public acknowledge the positive effect that volunteers have on a community and the need for volunteer numbers to continually increase.
Alison Keene, ANGLICARE Sydney’s Volunteer Support Manager says, “Although volunteer numbers have been steadily increasing, the time people can spare to volunteer and their willingness to volunteer for certain jobs, such as caring for people with dementia is decreasing. So we still need more people to come on board.”
Volunteer numbers in services where long term commitment and emotional strength is required are always in need of compassionate and committed volunteers. Carol French says it is for this reason that volunteers from the Chesalon Centre in
Richmond need to receive recognition from the general public for all the work they do.
“Our Chesalon volunteers are to be praised at this morning tea. Their commitment to the centre is highly valued by staff, clients and I am sure the local community too.”
For more information about the event please contact Carol French on 4588 6719
Media Contact: Bridgette Godden on 9895 8138 or 0411 779 337
