Volunteer’s reward

By Casey Neill
Ms Johnstone and others around Australia will be recognised for their efforts during National Volunteer Week, from 11 to 17 May.
This year’s theme is volunteers: everyday people, extraordinary contribution.
Ms Johnstone signed up for administration role with Knox Community Volunteers two years ago.
The 63-year-old grandmother gave up her job when her employer relocated.
“And that was ok, but I was looking for something else,” she said.
A few months later she heard Knox Community Volunteers manager Mandi Hyland speak at an over fifties meeting.
“And I thought ‘yes, I could do that’,” she said.
“It gives you something to really get up in the morning for. I think it keeps you a bit younger.”
Ms Johnstone said she immediately felt appreciated.
“That’s the main thing I couldn’t get over when I first started – everyone thanked you for what you did,” he said.
She soon took on a second volunteer role in the Boronia Salvation Army Opportunity Shop book section.
“It’s something completely different, and I love reading so I’m always scrounging through the books,” she said.
Ms Johnstone now volunteers 18 hours of her time each week.
She said it kept her busy while fitting around the rest of her life and encouraged others to get involved.
“It’s a wonderful thing this place does for the community,” she said.
Knox Community Volunteers offers transport and other services to elderly, frail and disabled residents in the City of Knox and the Shire of Yarra Ranges’ south west.
The group has 2000 volunteers delivering 40,000 hours to the community each year.
The organisation also helps other agencies find volunteers.
Ms Hyland said many residents wouldn’t get to medical appointments or be able to afford basics without their help.
“And some people don’t get out of the house all week. We may be the only people they’ve spoken to on the phone,” she said.
“So the social isolation is just huge. We like to think we spread a lot of happiness with our volunteers.”
My Hyland said their help would also reduce the demand on nursing homes and aged facilities, given the ageing population.
“All of our programs are aimed at people staying in their own homes for a longer period of time,” she said.
Ms Hyland said people were generally unaware of the different volunteer positions available.
“They only know the traditional ones like working in an opportunity shop or meals on wheels,” she said.
“But anything you’re interested in, there’s likely to be a volunteering opportunity for you.”
Knox Community Volunteers interviews each prospective volunteer to determine their interests and suggest options.
Ms Hyland said volunteering was also one way the growing unemployed population could qualify for Centrelink benefits.
Anyone who would like to volunteer can contact Phyl at Knox Community Volunteers on 9729 9499.