Peter brings joy — a decade as a volunteer

Peter Ellemor is a household name at Resthaven Mitcham, having devoted his time as a volunteer in this aged care home for more than a decade.

Peter explains, ‘I worked for the Department for Education for 37 years—the last 22 years as Principal—and it was always in my heart to give something back to the community once I retired.’

‘By the time that came around, my wife, Sue, and I reached out to Resthaven Mitcham to see what we could do.’

The site was well known to Peter already, having been the home of his late parents for many years.

‘I volunteer in the Spiritual Care Centre at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, and enjoy playing the piano in the main concourse area, as well as for the Mitcham Uniting Church. Sue is a great singer as well, so we thought we could probably play for residents at Resthaven.’

‘We had a chat with Stacey, Manager Volunteer Services, and during our meeting, she took one look at my driver’s licence and her eyes lit up!’

‘I have a bus licence, and I learned that volunteer bus drivers were difficult to come by, so I of course accepted the role.’

Peter became a friendly face behind the wheel of the Resthaven bus, and has since taken hundreds of trips with residents across Resthaven sites.

‘It is my absolute joy to give others joy, and the bus trips have always been most joyous.’

‘It is a chance for residents to get out of their home and explore, making new friends along the way. The chats I have had with people on the bus over the years have been unlike anything else. It’s a truly positive and happy environment.’

Of course, Stacey didn’t forget why Peter reached out in the first place, offering him a volunteer role as Chaplain’s Assistant with Resthaven Mitcham, playing the piano during church services.

‘I ended up with a varied schedule, driving the bus once a fortnight, and playing piano the other week. It was great fun, and I have formed many cherished connections over the years.’

Now, at the age of 75, Peter has hung up his drivers’ hat; however, you can still find him on the piano at Resthaven Mitcham once a week.

Thank you for sharing the joys of volunteering, Peter. We are grateful to you for your expertise on the piano keys!

We welcome more volunteers to apply now and make a difference.

For more information about volunteeering in an aged care home, contact us on 8373 9036 or volunteer@resthaven.asn.au.