More than 10 000 reasons to celebrate Mater volunteers

More than 10 000 reasons to celebrate Mater volunteers

Mater volunteers are appreciated by patients and staff every day of the year – and this International Volunteers Day, we’re celebrating more than 10 000 hand and feet massages across the South Brisbane campus.

With an average of 925 massages per month, more than 10 500 are expected by the end of the year.

Mater Volunteer Tracey Charlton has been giving hand and feet massages for more than a year-and-a-half and can’t imagine volunteering in any other way.

“I work from home and find it very isolating, so volunteering gives me a social outlet,” Tracey said.

“I have an opportunity to see lovely babies and happy families every week and it also gives me structure and a team environment.

“Someone mentioned that Mater had a really good volunteering program and it’s worked out so well for me,” she said.

Volunteer Coordinator Damita Oldmeadow said Mater was one of Queensland’s largest volunteering organisations.

“We have more than 700 volunteer shifts at Mater each week, people of all ages, backgrounds and life experiences,” Ms Oldmeadow said.

“Whether it’s offering companionship, a cup of tea or a book, escorting people to their destination or providing administrative support, each volunteer role contributes directly to making sure patients and their families have an exceptional experience at Mater,” she said.

Tracey said she had thought about changing the type of volunteering she does but really enjoys giving the massages.

“A lot of my work at home is intellectual and having the human contact really suits me,” Tracey said.

Hands and feet massages are offered to patients at the Mater Mothers’ Hospitals, Mater Hospital Brisbane, Mater Private Hospital Brisbane and Mater Cancer Care Centre.

If you would like to volunteer at Mater, please call 3163 8599  or email [email protected].

CAPTION: Mater Volunteer Tracey Charlton and Mater mum Emma and baby Oliver.

 

Tags:

Mater Babies
This Year
1917
This Month
942
= three - seven

Was this information helpful?

For urgent assessment at any stage of your pregnancy, please present to your nearest emergency centre or Mater Mothers’ 24/7 Pregnancy Assessment Centre in South Brisbane.

Personal
Was this helpful?
 Security code