Respect Pays Tribute to the Generosity and Kindness of Others this National Volunteer Week

Pictured above: Celebrating our volunteers at Edward Collick Home (left) and Coroneagh Park (right)

Respect owes a great deal of appreciation and gratitude to all our supporters and friends, who continue to go above and beyond to support our communities – and this includes our wonderful family of dedicated volunteers. 

Kindness comes in all shapes and sizes; every gift or selfless act can positively impact the lives of our residents, clients and their families, as well as support the ongoing work of our organisation in regional communities. We see this immense level of generosity and altruism on a daily basis throughout our local homes and services, and this week – as part of National Volunteer Week – we were proud to celebrate and recognise the enduring impact of those generous individuals who volunteer their time and services to improve the lives of older people in our care. 

With ‘Connecting communities’ the theme of this year’s National Volunteer Week celebrations, we think it is particularly appropriate to shine a spotlight on just some of the kind volunteers who are positively impacting the lives of others across our communities. And as you can see below, our staff and residents were keen on making this week a special time for recognition and acknowledgement.

At Edward Collick Home in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, social activities and get-togethers have been thick and fast since the community officially joined Respect at the beginning of the month. And naturally, in light of National Volunteers Week, staff and residents wanted to turn the focus towards their wonderful community of local volunteers. To thank them for their contributions, everyone gathered together in the home’s sunlit courtyard for a lovely morning tea – complete with smiles and laughter, and plenty of memorable moments.

Residents and staff alike at Coroneagh Park – our home in Penguin, Tasmania – similarly jumped at the chance to demonstrate their appreciation for everyone who plays a part supporting their beloved home. As part of the special morning tea, they were pleased to recognise and welcome members of their local auxiliary group, who have long led local fundraising efforts for Coroneagh Park, continuing their role as strong community advocates. 

To mark the week, our Costa House community – in Lara, Victoria – also wanted to give a big shoutout to one of their long-time supporters, Glenda Rice. Glenda has been generously donating her time for many years, running Bingo twice a week and spending one-on-one time with our residents. Her kindness, warmth and eagerness to contribute the vibrant and welcoming environment that Costa House is locally known for, means so much – not just to residents, but to our whole team.

On behalf of Respect, including our staff, residents, clients and their families, we say thank you to everyone who volunteers their time and efforts in support of our people and the work that we do. We recognise that so many of our homes and communities were originally founded thanks to the sacrifice, goodwill, and hard work of local volunteers – and we’re proud to say that this legacy of grassroots connection and community collaboration continues today, thanks to our amazing volunteers.