Time, skills, passion…

BALLARAT Hospice Care has marked this National Volunteer Week by shining the spotlight on those who donate their time to the organisation.

In line with the Week’s theme, Recognise. Reconnect. Reimagine. Ballarat Hospice Care CEO Carita Clancy acknowledged the “important and valued” work the group’s volunteers complete each day.

“Volunteer Week is a great opportunity to share one of many volunteer stories that shows the individual impact volunteering has on the people, the volunteer, communities and organisations,” she said.

John Elliott has been a volunteer since last year. He joined to make a difference to his community and connected with Ballarat Hospice Care’s isolated clients, their families and carers COVID-safely via phone.

Since August, Mr Elliott has been calling a male client each week who wishes to remain anonymous. But this client said they both enjoy and value their regular chat, and opportunity to share thoughts.

“It’s a time where we talk about everything and anything, from politics and religion, to articles or books we have read, and then of course there is football,” he said.

“The weekly call is one of the important markers of the week for me. Often my wife will be on the other phone and the three of us have a great three-way talk.”

Mr Elliott said his volunteering is a “sacrosanct time.”

“It is the best general conversation I have outside my family each week, and I would never give it up as I really enjoy our conversation together.

“I think I gain much more than I give. He is a fabulous and generous person, and I have learnt so much from him and my volunteer experience,” he said.

Mrs Clancy is “incredibly grateful” to all Ballarat Hospice Care volunteers like Mr Elliott.

“They give so generously of their time, skills and passion to make a difference to the lives of others through their kindness and willingness.”

National Volunteer Week runs until this Sunday, 23 May.