An invitation to make a difference

After a wonderfully successful National Volunteer Week 2021, Connect Health & Community is inviting those considering volunteering to take the plunge and join the team.  Literally.

Connect Health & Communty currently has vacancies for volunteers in its hydrotherapy service, as well as for mini-bus drivers or drivers with their own cars.

Program Manager, Community Connections, Peri, said National Volunteer Week 2021 provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate the amazing contribution of the organisation’s volunteers who were recognised with the Glen Eira City Council Award for Outstanding Service, Contribution or Achievement during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“In a normal year, our 160 volunteers are critical in the delivery of our services.  But 2020 was no normal year and despite all the challenges the pandemic threw us all, our volunteers were at the forefront of our work to help keep our community safe and healthy in the most challenging of circumstances,” she said.

The volunteers were recognised at a presentation by the Mayor of Glen Eira City Council, Margaret Esakoff, who paid tribute to the work of the volunteers to keep the spirit of hope alive in the community.

As well, Cr Esakoff presented volunteers with 10 year service an award from Glen Eira Council.

Those recognised were Ziva Rozenblum, Anna Wonneberger, Helen Neal, Ivy Caruana, Lindsay Collins, Alan Jackson and Doreen Kinsella.

During National Volunter Week, Connect Health & Community also celebrated 25 years service from social support assistant, community transport driver and jockey, Paul Beaumont, and 20 years from auxiliary member, Margaret Patterson.

“For three decades, Paul and Margaret have given so much to their community, and gained richly from the knowledge that they are making a big difference in the lives of so many,” Peri said.

“Connect Health & Community always welcomes new volunteers take part in the joy of giving.  The personal reward from helping people in the community is great.  Not only is it a good way to make new connections, new skills and support the community you live in, but it also gives you a real sense of personal wellbeing,” she said.

Peri said volunteers provide support across many health services, with information about volunteering opportunities and benefits at https://connecthealth.org.au/about-us/volunteer-with-us/

“Becoming a volunteer is easy.  We match opportunities to your skills and interests, and you may just make lifelong friends and gain many benefits along the way,” she said.

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