Volunteers are the mainstay of many organisations and at Southern Cross Care (WA), our volunteers prove every day how special they are in their role of helping to make a real difference to the lives of our residents and clients.
We value all our volunteers and as a gesture of thanks for their generosity of time, and for all they do, we hold a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast event every year. This year the event was held at The Pagoda in Como, where volunteers and members of the Southern Cross Care team joined to celebrate their achievements.
Three volunteers received long service awards, presented by Board Chair Brad Prentice, and CEO Clare Grieveson. They are Angelina Pelliccioti (20 years), Betty Flynn (15 years) and Sandra Vaz (15 years).
All three volunteers are members of the Legion of Mary, a parish-based lay organisation with origins in Ireland that focuses on spirituality, friendship, and practical support. It works under the direction of the local parish priest and engages in visits to homes, transportation and help with Mass
Both Betty and Angela are members of the Legion of Mary in Maida Vale while Sandra is a member of the Legion in the Success area.
Angelina and Betty assist the Mass at Joseph Donovan House, facilitate the Rosary prayer and visit all residents regardless of their religious persuasion, especially on their birthdays.
Sandra is a volunteer at Frank Prendergast House, where she assists with the Mass and the Rosary and has been a tremendous support to the spiritual care that is offered at the residential home in Success.
Attendees at the event also heard from David Kemp, an elder in the Foothills Church of Christ, about his volunteering journey and the Lai family, who provided the music at the event and have been volunteering at Southern Cross Care residential homes for six years.
Chief Executive Officer Clare Grieveson, who presented the awards along with Board Chair Brad Prentice, thanked the volunteers and said Southern Cross Care (WA) had a long history of volunteering, which was an essential part of the organisation’s mission – ‘to enrich the lives of those in our care’.
“Our volunteers are a dedicated group of individuals who have a strong commitment to making a difference for our residents, clients and their families.”
“We thank them for their generous contribution in so many areas from visiting residents, assisting with transport, supporting religious services and playing music at our events, such as at today’s recognition breakfast,” Ms Grieveson said.
“Volunteering in aged care has been impacted by COVID-19, however, our core group of volunteers has continued to provide support when they could during this time.
“We are committed to further developing, supporting and recognising our volunteers.”
Read similar stories like our volunteers in our Southern Star Summer edition.