The sizzle says it all

PAKENHAM staff at Mecwacare put on a special thankyou barbecue in appreciation of all the good work carried out on behalf of the residents of Cardinia by volunteers.
Kerry Laurie thanked the volunteers at the barbecue, saying: “Volunteers generously give their time, knowledge and life experiences to support our services and make a real difference to the lives of our clients, their families and the staff at Mecwacare.”
“Volunteers are an integral part of our operations and offer an extra special service, giving support and care to our clients in so many ways. They help by driving clients across Melbourne to doctors and hospital appointments as well as social support activities, assisting in the programs at Rivendall House and delivering meals on wheels.
“But volunteering is also very rewarding, many or our volunteers tell me that they are repaid tenfold because of the special relationships they develop with our clients and their families and the friendships they have developed.”
Every Mecwacare volunteer has their own story on why they help out and what they receive in return.
There is Marjorie who comes in four times a week who first became a volunteer after recovering from cancer, an experience that means she can relate to some of the service’s clients, offering advice and sharing a joke with them, demonstrating there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Her previous experience as a taxi driver means she always has an easy way that relaxes people when they may be feeling anxious about hospital appointments.
Peter has been volunteering for over 10 years, following retirement due to ill health.
Peter, who helps out with the woodworking and dementia groups, says: “Volunteering allows me to give back to society, and I cherish the friendships I have developed with the clients and staff. It is always rewarding to see the same faces and how much it means to them to come into the centre, for many it is the highlight of the week and is the only time they get to meet others.”