Volunteer at Baptistcare

What volunteers are saying about Baptistcare

Perhaps you are thinking about using some of your time to volunteer. Baptistcare has opportunities across metro and regional areas for you to volunteer your time, skill and presence to support elderly people towards living meaningful lives.

Meet Norma, a Baptistcare volunteer:

Norma lives in regional WA and after retiring started her volunteer life in hospice care. It was, however, the time her dad spent in a Baptistcare residence which inspired Norma to volunteer with Baptistcare. Her father asked Norma if after his death she would visit residents who weren’t as fortunate as he was to have family and friends to care for them.

So when Norma is not at a Zumba or yoga class, meditating, playing croquet or gardening she can be found volunteering with Baptistcare.

Recently we asked Norma some questions.

Why do you volunteer at Baptistcare? 

I started because of my father’s request, and I continue because I can see there is always some benefit in my volunteering. One of the most memorable experiences I have had was the opportunity to write a biography for a resident. Her family knew very little of her early life and used some of the work as part of her eulogy. People are so grateful for the volunteers and Baptistcare are supportive and never pressure the volunteers to do more than they can.

What would you say to anyone thinking about volunteering with Baptistcare?

Come with empathy and be sure that if you volunteer someone will benefit.

 

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” – Helen Keller

 
 
If Norma’s story has inspired you, go to the Baptistcare volunteer page by clicking the logo below and submit your expression of interest in becoming a Baptistcare volunteer.

 

Octogenarian collects containers for a cause

Octogenarian collects containers for a cause

Des Gilbert (87) is among the thousands of West Australians who have started to collect and deposit their recyclables as part of the Containers for Change initiative.

The Gwelup octogenarian has managed to collect more than 1,100 containers in just six months, and has more than the good of the planet in mind. He wants to raise a massive $15,000 for a state-of-the-art Tovertafel (pronounced ‘tova-taff-al’) for the seniors who share his residential care home at Baptistcare’s David Buttfield Centre (DBC). The Tovertafel or ‘magic table’, is a high-quality ceiling projector which beams light animations onto a table below. It was developed in the Netherlands for people with cognitive challenges.

“Not only are we doing our part for the environment by preventing these containers from ending up in landfill, we are also raising money for a significant cause,” Des said. “Giving back to the DBC Therapy Department is important to me since they do so much for the residents here who are journeying with dementia.” Baptistcare’s DBC Therapy and Leisure Partner, Clare West said employees, residents and their families are in awe of Des’ commitment and passion. “When Des told us that he wanted to help raise money for a Tovertafel, we were moved by his generosity,” she said. “We have seen the amazing response residents at other Baptistcare facilities have had to the Tovertafel and are excited at the prospect of having our very own.”

For more information or to make a donation, visit baptistcare.com.au