Melville thanks vollies

by Mui Pin Tan

May 13, 2008

MELVILLE council takes time out to celebrate National Volunteers week, adopting the theme of “Volunteers Change the World” with events running from May 12 to 18.

Volunteer group Melville Cares has planned a free luncheon and afternoon entertainment for their volunteers at their recreation centre on May 13  to acknowledge their vollies.

Long term volunteers include Avril Mulcahy, a 9 year volunteer with Melville Cares.

“I have been visiting one lady for the last three years,” Ms Mulcahy said. “She is isolated and has no family, so to me she’s like my adopted granny.”

Hayden Binning, 64 has been Melville Cares’ support driver five years.

“I have the satisfaction of helping others worse off than you, and I like the interaction,” he said.

There are more than 300 volunteer organisations across the sprawling southern Perth city, which Melville Volunteer Resource Centre co-ordinator Nicola Schuman reckons is good.

“It’s a brilliant way for people to live their dreams or carrying out things that they’re passionate about and change the world,” Ms Schuman said. “I have the best job in the world because I get to meet people every day who want to get involved.”

For individuals, volunteering has always been about giving back to the community and seeing others benefit from the help offered.

“I like interaction,” said Ann Spencer, a vollie at St John of God Hospital, “and anything to do with people I am willing to do.

“Working at the hospital and making the patients happy makes me smile.”

For more information on how to volunteer, call Ms Schuman on 9364 0153.