Carinity thanks our dedicated and valued volunteers
National Volunteer Week runs from May 20-26 – a chance to acknowledge and celebrate the generous and valued contributions of our dedicated volunteers.
Carinity spoke with four of our volunteers – from Brisbane, Boonah and Hervey Bay – to find out why they choose to give back to their community.
Nomiki Glynatsis, who volunteers at the Carinity Brookfield Green aged care community, had long wanted to give back to her community – and that chance came two years ago.
“I’d often thought about wanting to finally make time to help out in the community. It’s something I’ve always aspired to and wanted to do,” Nomiki says.
Nomiki helps the diversional therapists at Carinity Brookfield Green to run activities and outings for residents.
“I love working with the residents and seeing them come to life when discussing memories or experiences from the past as well as learning so much about a different generation,” Nomiki says.
“I truly believe the time spent and knowledge learnt from our elders is priceless and highly undervalued.”
For the past two years, retiree Bob Soltys has volunteered at Carinity Fassifern Community Centre in Boonah where he plays ukulele for the weekly Musical Connections group.
“I play ukulele and encourage others to participate by singing, keeping rhythm or play along with other instruments. Everyone gets an opportunity to choose and give feedback on the songs we do since everyone is part of the band,” Bob says.
“I like to help groups that help others. I am retired and fortunate so I don’t need to work and I have skills that people may find useful. It makes sense to offer those skills to groups to use to help out.
“I think it is important to contribute toward making local lives more social and interesting and to promote a vibrant local society.”
Tamara Lunt wanted to “give back in thanks” to Carinity Education Glendyne, where her son “was very well catered for” when he was a student at the Hervey Bay school.
Tamara is a skilled musician and music tutor who assists middle school students with their arts-based elective subject, and provides instrumental instruction for budding pianists, drummers, guitarists and bass players.
“I enjoy developing rapport and building relationships with both staff and students. I know that I am appreciated and that is a “feel good” for me,” Tamara says.
Lou Coles runs the Story Dogs literacy initiative at Carinity Education Glendyne. Each week Lou and therapy dog Kevin go to the school to read with students, to help improve their engagement in reading.
“I’m inspired by seeing the calm and unconditional love that children get through their connection with animals and especially Kevin. When you bring that unconditional acceptance to reading you just see the children come out of their shells and start to enjoy reading,” Lou says.
“I enjoy being included in the community and feeling like Kevin brings joy and love and puts a smile on people’s faces. I know how important it is to provide a consistent safe and supportive space to children as they are forming perceptions of themselves and the world they live in.
“If I can do anything to make that a more positive view then I am happy.”
