Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) will celebrate National Volunteer Week on Tuesday 12 May by treating their hardworking volunteers to lunch in recognition of the amazing work they do.

“National Volunteer Week provides a great opportunity for us to say thanks to our many volunteers who help make our services and programs stronger, and to let them know their efforts and commitment are appreciated,” explained Mr Chris Tipa, Executive Manager of Aged Care Services at GLCH.

In the last 12 months GLCH’s meals on wheels volunteers have been incredibly busy delivering 21,237 hot and cold meals to 283 clients in Bairnsdale, Paynesville, Lakes Entrance and surrounding towns.  Our volunteer transport team have driven 154 clients to non-urgent medical appointments recording a total distance of 24,727kilometres and 3,316 volunteer hours; and our Planned Activity Group volunteers in Lakes Entrance have also cooked up a storm preparing 1,460 meals for hungry group participants totalling 2,940 volunteer hours.

“Our volunteers are an invaluable asset to GLCH, our clients and our community and we are truly grateful for their tireless support and dedication,” added Mr Tipa.

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2015 is Give Happy, Live Happy.  Not only do volunteers help make the lives of everyone around them happier, they too are happier as a result. Just a few hours of volunteer work makes a difference in happiness and mood.  At GLCH you can volunteer as much or as little time as you want, depending on your role. Once a week, once a fortnight, a month – whatever suits the individual.  You can also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a wide range of areas, plus it’s a great way to meet new people who share your interests.  For more details about volunteering at GLCH CLICK HERE