fbpx Skip to content

Archives

Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) will celebrate National Volunteer Week (NVW) today by treating their volunteers to lunch in recognition of the outstanding work they do in our local communities.

“National Volunteer Week provides us with an opportunity to celebrate our dedicated volunteers and let them know how much we value their generosity and commitment to our organisation and clients,” said GLCH chief executive, Sue Medson OAM.

This years’ NVW theme represents ‘Give a little. Change a lot’ represents the profound impact volunteers have in their communities and on society, through giving a little of their time. At GLCH you can volunteer as much or as little time as you want, depending on your role. Once a week, once a fortnight, once a month – whatever suits the individual.

“Volunteering is all about making a difference in your community and our volunteers truly do,” explained Ms Medson. “They are an invaluable asset to staff and our clients and make our services stronger.

Last year GLCH’s social support staff, who coordinate social groups and activities were supported by a team of 24 volunteers. Over 12 months they logged a combined 3,200 hours, during which they cooked 11,500 meals and served 320 cappuccinos. Their Meals on Wheels volunteers delivered just shy of 13,000 meals to residents of Bairnsdale, Paynesville, Lakes Entrance and surrounding towns; and their volunteer drivers escorted 109 clients to non-urgent medical appointments.

Volunteering benefits you personally as it offers the chance to act on your values, passions and interests and make new friendships and create professional networks. Volunteers also enjoy better physical and mental health as studies show volunteering makes us healthier and happier. GLCH have a number of different volunteering opportunities available from their five locations in East Gippsland.  To find out more about these opportunities, head to www.glch.org.au/get-involved/volunteer/ or contact the volunteer coordinator.

NVW 2018

Pictured before their meals on wheels delivery runs are dedicated volunteers Doris and Bryan Garrett, Heather Rose, Marg Porter and Margie Kavanagh with GLCH CEO Sue Medson (far right).