Hospital celebrates voluntary team

VOLUNTEERS at Heathcote Health were treated to a show of appreciation to coincide with International Volunteer Day on Monday with a morning tea at Gaffney’s Bakery.

Volunteer coordinator Michelle Chapman said it was great to show unpaid team members how much they mean to the hospital.

“The volunteers definitely felt appreciated and they liked being able to come across together and meet each other because they all work across different areas,” she said.

“Volunteers don’t get paid, they offer their services in exchange for a smile from our staff, our clients, our patients.

“We take every opportunity we can get to celebrate and thank them for the things they do so coming together was much appreciated.

“Previously we’d held a barbecue breakfast down at Barrack Reserve. It’s a little different each year. We’ve been acknowledging the day for as long as I can remember.”

Each volunteer received a Heathcote Health wristband, lanyard and directory tea towel as well as chocolate and an appreciation certificate.

This year’s Volunteer Day theme is ‘solidarity through volunteering’ and it aims to highlight collective positive change through altruistic giving.

Heathcote Health currently has 20 volunteers working in areas like Meals on Wheels, aged care services, gardening, community service, and administration.

“They’re absolutely integral for us being able to offer services to residents, our patients, our clients, our community,” Ms Chapman said.

“They’re able to support what we do here so that we can offer safe and quality care. We’re always looking for more volunteers.”