Retired school teacher, Evie, is delighted to be using her skills in her volunteer role at our Elizabeth Gardens home in Burwood, where she holds art classes for the residents every Tuesday afternoon.
With her mum, Nellie, in care at Elizabeth Gardens, Evie felt compelled to contribute her time and skills for the benefit of other residents. “I had just retired as a school teacher when we put mum into care here and I felt it was important to give back to the community. I also wanted to encourage mum to get involved in activities,” says Evie.
Evie organises a range of creative activities for the residents, including watercolours, creating paper lanterns and weaving activities — easy, engaging activities for all abilities that can be enjoyed by many.
“As a primary school teacher, whatever I used to do with the students is what I do with the residents as well. I create simple and enjoyable activities for them.”
“I just hope they get some enjoyment out of the art classes, and they also get the opportunity to talk to the other residents as well.”
The residents look forward to the chance to get creative each week. As resident Sylvia says: “I love painting. I come to the group every week and look forward to it.”
Evie loves her volunteering work and finds the process of planning the art session and getting to know the residents very rewarding.
“I get a lot of enjoyment from planning the arts and craft sessions for residents. I just find it very rewarding. It’s nice to know that you’re helping people and it’s lovely to get to know them too — many of them have had very interesting lives,” she says.
Because she is at the home most days visiting her mum, Evie also helps with bingo on Wednesdays and anything else the Lifestyle team needs assistance with.
Evie is just one of our army of more than 40 volunteers who work across our Residential Aged Care homes giving support and companionship to those in our care. She has been volunteering at Elizabeth Gardens for three years and would recommend it to anyone.
“I would highly recommend volunteering in aged care. It is rewarding and you get to meet interesting people beyond your own age group who have a lot of interesting stories to tell. It also gives you a sense of purpose and it’s great to give back to the community.”
If you would like to become a volunteer, register your interest at: royalfreemasons.org.au/volunteer/
