27 May 2018.
Today is the last day of National Volunteer Week. The week has been a perfect opportunity to highlight and appreciate the amazing voluntary work we have here at Able Australia.
For the final day of the National Volunteer Week, we’d like to introduce one of our volunteers, Daryl. This year Daryl was nominated and shortlisted for the Volunteer of the Year Award.
Daryl has volunteered with Able for 12 years. In this time, Daryl has been a massive help within the Community Visitor Scheme program. Each week for these 12 years, Daryl has visited residents at Fassifern Retirement Village and Colthup Manor, driving up to two hours. One of Daryl’s amazing characteristics is his reliability. While Daryl’s professional and personal life have changed, he has always stuck to his commitments with Able, making him a familiar face that the residents can regularly look forward to seeing each week.
Daryl is a wonderful listener and builds a real connection with each resident he speaks to – the staff at the facilities often commenting on the improvements in the residents’ sense of community and wellbeing following Daryl’s visits. Daryl gives part of himself to the residents – and he takes something back, learning and gaining genuine friendship with those he visits.
Thank you, Daryl, and thank you to all our volunteers. We couldn’t do it without you.