“I always thought that when I retired, I would love to do volunteer work,” said 79-year-old Pam Dalrymple.
She has been helping to support people living at Not For Profit operator Carinity’s Clifford House residential aged care community at Wooloowin in Brisbane, Queensland, for the past 19 years.
The theme of Volunteering Australia’s National Volunteer Week, Better Together, reflects Pam’s story: volunteering brings people together; and creates a better society for everyone.
Pam first visited Clifford House to sing to residents – and always longed to return more frequently.
“I used to sing in a choir called The Crusade Choir and we would visit nursing homes and churches and sing the gospel. We would visit places like Clifford House every weekend,” said Pam, who is pictured with 102-year-old resident Ann Damen.
“I wanted to work with older folk when I had the time and as the choir often sang at Clifford House, I thought that would be a good place to start.”
What does Pam get from volunteering at an aged care home
Each week she enjoys assisting the diversional therapists, playing piano for Devotions and sing-a-longs, or helping wherever needed, whether it’s aiding with activities, making coffees for residents, or simply chatting with them.
Pam finds much value in simple acts of kindness, a message
“It has been a privilege to volunteer. If you can help folk a little it means a lot to them. Some residents don’t have relatives so to be able to talk with them and bring a smile to their face is wonderful,” she said.
In 2014, Pam was recognised for her volunteer work in her neighbourhood, awarded a Medal of the Order of the Australia for “service to the community, particularly through aged welfare.”
“You don’t do these things for awards, you do it to honour the Lord. It’s just nice to think you can help and it feels good to make someone’s day a bit nicer,” she said.
Asked how long she thought she would continue being a volunteer, she replied: “As long as they’ll have me.”
National Volunteering Week is being held from 16-22 May 2022.
