National Volunteer Week 17 – 23 May, is time to acknowledge and celebrate all our wonderful volunteers. One of our many long-term volunteers, Jan Taylor, reflects on her volunteering and the spirit of helping. When Jan decided to retire, she was contemplating what to do next. It wasn’t until Jan saw a notice in her local church bulletin requesting volunteers that she had considered volunteering at an aged care home.
At first, the thought of being a volunteer was a little daunting but Jan decided to give it a go. She believes that “it was meant to be”. One of the first residents Jan had coincidently been paired with had the same name as her mother. “I remember her telling me ‘I don’t know what I would do without you’” Jan said. A heart-felt connection was made on her very first day.
Mrs Taylor has been volunteering at IBIS Care Blakehurst for over 20 years. “My experience at the home has been terrific, the residents and staff are all so nice” she said. Volunteering has allowed Jan to create strong friendships with the residents, staff and families. Jan’s generous time and support is of utmost joy to our residents and is an example of how volunteering can make the world of a difference to someone.
