National Volunteer Week 18-24 June

It is National Volunteer Week from 18-24 June and here at Age Concern Nelson Tasman we would like to acknowledge our wonderful volunteers and all they do for the agency.

We have around a hundred and fifty volunteers at Age Concern Nelson Tasman and rely on them for many of the events and services we deliver. They visit people, they provide time out for carers, they phone people for a chat, they take people to get their groceries, they pedal rickshaws taking rest home residents out for a ride, they host our tea and talk sessions all over the region, they provide a welcoming cuppa at our weekly ‘Sing Yourself well. If we are holding a bigger event, we email the group and, without fail, some generous volunteers will offer more of their time to help.

Some of our volunteers have been a part of the visiting service for over ten years and this says a lot about how rewarding it is to volunteer for Age Concern. We hear some lovely stories about the friendships that grow. It is such a simple thing to spend an hour or so each week providing good company to an older person, but it makes such a significant difference. We are all a product of our life experiences and really spending the time to get to know someone is one of the nicest things you can do. There is real value in being a good listener and encouraging the older people we know to share their memories.

We acknowledged our wonderful volunteers this National Volunteer Week, as we usually do, with a thank you card and an afternoon tea on Tuesday . While this is sincere and comes from our hearts it seems small a small gesture for all they do. We hope the real reward is knowing how much of a difference they make to the lives of the older people they spend time with.

Thank you to all our wonderful Age Concern volunteers! We simply couldn’t do what we do without you.

Some of our wonderful volunteers at the Volunteer Week Afternoon Tea.