Volunteering not just a young folk’s game
VMCH is celebrating the dedication of 36 volunteers this National Volunteer Week, with special recognition given to 90-year-old Rosemary Parfrey.
In the lead up to National Volunteer week – 19-25 May– VMCH is honouring Rosemary Parfrey, who has been volunteering with the for-purpose and disability organisation since 1965.
Six decades since Ms Parfrey commenced volunteering at the VMCH St Catherine’s Aged Care Balwyn Christmas Day Lunch, the 90-year-old continues to volunteer with charity organisation The Smith Family, where she raises funds to support students enter university. She has been volunteering with The Smith Family for 37 years.
Recently, Ms Parfrey has been volunteering with VMCH’s TeleFriend program, making weekly calls to affordable homes residents who are at risk of social isolation.
“I’ve made great friendships with Helga and also Paul, who I have quite a bit in common with, including our spirituality and love of the Collingwood football club. I waffle on to them about all sorts of things. I hope I make a little difference to their lives; it’s a lovely program,” she said.
Ms Parfrey will be one of 36 VMCH volunteers celebrated at the organisation’s annual Volunteers’ Celebration and Service Recognition event.
Alongside some paid roles, Ms Parfrey has volunteered in a number of capacities, including reading at Sunday mass, giving residents manicures and helping with lifestyle activities. But she said her favourite thing to do is spend quality one-on-one time with residents.
“I love getting to know residents on a deeper level; their past lives and their families. I also came up with a special project for the residents who had no families or visitors. On their 70th, 80th or 90th birthdays, I’d buy them a gift, help them get dressed up, and take them for lunch at the Windsor Hotel. That was very enjoyable for them and for me,” she said.
All seven of Ms Parfrey’s children have been involved with VMCH St Catherine’s Aged Care in either a paid or volunteer capacity too – with her daughter Mary saying the time they spent as children learning to talk and care with elderly residents held them in “good stead” for their respective careers.
Despite her hands being quite full with 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren Ms Parfrey has no desire to stop volunteering, and encourages others to get involved too.
“I’d tell them to jump in. Come and do it and your life will never be the same. It will be full of beautiful experiences,” she said.
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