By Matthew Sims
Northern Health has recognised the work of its many volunteers, including Kerry Wall, who has marked 40 years volunteering at the Bundoora Centre.
She has worked at the Busy Fingers Gift Shop to keep the store stocked and has been the president of the shop for the past 12 years.
The Busy Fingers Shop has donated over $2 million to Bundoora Centre, which includes over $200,000 for life-changing equipment for the health service.
Volunteers crafted most of the goods in the store and proceeds from the sale of these items have enabled the purchase of essential medical equipment for Northern Health.
Ms Wall said volunteering had quickly become an important part of her life.
“You take the opportunities as they present themselves to you and work the hardest you can at it,” she said.
Ms Wall’s mother and father were also Northern Health volunteers and between the three of them, they have clocked up more than 110 years of service.
Northern Health volunteer services manager Henni Wade said the work of its volunteers was essential to its day-to-day operations.
“They make our workplace better by supporting us in lots of different ways,” she said.
“I love watching our guides interact with our visitors, showing interest in their journeys and making them feel welcome.
“The volunteers are like a family, supporting each other through tough times, looking out for each other and sharing fun times.”
The theme for this year’s National Volunteer Week was ‘Better Together’.
Details: www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/nvw
