MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Date: July 2024
In celebration of National Student Volunteer Week (August 5-11), Balwyn Evergreen Centre is championing the significant contributions of student volunteers who dedicate their time to foster connections with older community members.
This week highlights the importance of volunteering and the impact it has on both volunteers and recipients.
Ruby Cheung is a dedicated volunteer at Balwyn Evergreen and regularly visits Pauline and Ann, both with cognitive impairment, at their aged care facility, as part of the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme.
A lifeline for Pauline and Ann
"Pauline loves to talk about her childhood. She'll tell me stories about when she came to Melbourne and where she went to school." Ruby says.
"Ann loves sharing her traveling stories to Adelaide and what she cooks for dinner. She remembers that I visit her from time to time."
Despite these memory challenges, Ruby sees the joy in their faces. "Absolutely," she says. "Sometimes, when I'm about to go, Pauline tells me she wishes I could stay longer. Ann has asked me to stay for dinner multiple times, saying she needs to shop for dinner."
"It's a bit of a bittersweet journey. Most of the time, they won't remember me or our conversations. But they gain a bit of socialisation and get to talk about their interests with me. Most of all, they feel happy at the moment, like they're still living their pre-aged care residency lives."
The volunteer experience
Ruby, a 36-year-old university student studying a Masters in Nutrition, has found great fulfillment in volunteering through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme at Balwyn Evergreen Centre. Having been in Australia for only 18 months, Ruby values the connections she makes with older individuals.
"Being part of the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme at Balwyn Evergreen has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Building connections with older individuals and brightening their day through simple companionship is a fulfilling journey. I am proud to be part of a program that brings joy and support to those who need it," says Ruby.
The volunteering experience not only enriched my professional experience but also strengthened my social connections and provided great support to my mental health. This is because, as an international student away from home, volunteering offers a social opportunity to connect with people.”
"I think there are so many opportunities for older people to reconnect with the community and the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme is a perfect way to do that," Ruby adds.
The importance of student volunteers
Tina Hogarth Clarke, CEO Balwyn Evergreen Centre, emphasises the significance of student involvement in volunteer programs.
"National Student Volunteer Week is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the incredible contributions of students like Ruby. Volunteering not only enriches the lives of our older community members but also provides students with invaluable life skills and experiences. It fosters empathy, strengthens community bonds, and promotes a sense of purpose," says Tina.
"We encourage all students to consider incorporating volunteering into their lives. The currency they receive from these experiences, in terms of personal growth, professional development and the joy of giving back, is truly immeasurable," Tina says.
Join us in celebrating National Student Volunteer Week
For more information on how to get involved with the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme, please contact Balwyn Evergreen Centre at 9836 9681 or visit www.balwynevergreen.org.au/aged-care-volunteer-visitors-scheme.
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