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'Zoo-per' thank you event for volunteers
Eldercare volunteers from across South Australia came together for a celebration lunch event at Adelaide Zoo last Friday to acknowledge their contribution.
Chief Executive Jane Pickering thanked the 140 volunteers in attendance for their continued dedication to Eldercare.
“Volunteers are the backbone of Eldercare and form part of the team that works collaboratively to care for each resident’s overall health,” said Jane.
“We take a mind, body, spirit approach to care at Eldercare and, as care needs increase and become more complex, we’re seeing our volunteers play an increasingly important role looking after the wellbeing of each resident which complements the clinical and wellness care our staff deliver.
“One of Eldercare’s key organisational values is connection and, when I visit our facilities, I see this value is being lived on a daily basis with volunteers and residents forming warm and generous relationships with one another.”
Eldercare Volunteer Program Coordinator Kylie Maher said the event allowed volunteers to see how their contribution ‘makes a meaningful difference’ to the organisation.
“It was great to see members of the Eldercare Board and the Executive Team at the event and showing their appreciation for our volunteers’ significant contribution towards our shared goal of delivering peace of mind to residents and their families,” said Kylie.
“Volunteers enrich the lives of residents by sharing their unique skills and wide-ranging experience enabling them to lead special interest groups or connect with residents one-on-one.
“Seaford is home to the youngest and oldest volunteers – one is 12 and the other is 99 which provides an opportunity for residents to enjoy new experiences and perhaps learn new skills.”
Ms Maher said that Volunteer Service Awards will soon be presented to individual volunteers to recognise their years of service at each residential aged care facility.
“35 people will receive an award including one volunteer who has provided 40 years of service to Eldercare,” said Kylie.
For more information on volunteering at Eldercare please complete an online application or contact Volunteer Program Coordinator Kylie Maher on (08) 8274 3610.
Image: Eldercare Operational Services Executive Anne-Marie Gillard, Volunteer Program Coordinator Kylie Maher and Chief Executive Jane Pickering at the event.