Celebrating Diversity on International Volunteer Day

5 December 2011

5 December is International Volunteer Day and Resthaven volunteer, Florence Eremugo, embodies the spirit of the day to join the global celebration and recognition of volunteering.

This year is especially significant, as 2011 has been the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10).

Florence, who was born in Sudan, moved to Uganda, and migrated to Australia in 2006, has recently joined Resthaven’s 450 volunteers.

She recently started visiting Ted and Dulcie Collins, Resthaven Western Community Services clients -together they share a love of gardens.

'They have a beautiful big garden. I love spending time with them, as I used to enjoy gardening back in Uganda’, says Florence.

Ted and Dulcie recently celebrated their 62nd year of marriage and have cultivated a lovely garden full of tomatoes, zucchini, apricots and lots of colourful flowers. Ted remains active as a volunteer himself, donating his time at the local hospital, assisting the administration staff, and showing patients to their rooms.

Around their kitchen table, Resthaven Western Community Services Coordinator, Kathy Monks, remarks, ‘Ted and Dulcie have been so good to people in the past, now it is their turn to receive a little kindness.'

They have a beautiful big garden. I love spending time with them, as I used to enjoy gardening back in Uganda

Florence and all Resthaven volunteers will receive an IVY+10 memento pin in appreciation of their support for Resthaven clients and residents in this International Year of Volunteers.

For volunteer enquiries, phone Stacey Thompson on 8206 0102 or email sthompson@resthaven.asn.au.

ENDS/

Photo Caption: Volunteer, Florence Eremugo, with clients, Ted and Dulcie Collins