Making a tangible difference

Did you know that every year St Laurence Community Service’s volunteers donate over 20,000 hours of service to a diverse range of consumers?
Currently, St Laurence has more than 200 generous volunteers who give freely of their time to help others who come to St Laurence for support and advice.
So many volunteers provide vital assistance to support St Laurence to achieve the vision of working “together to innovate and build resilient, inclusive communities to help people reach their full potential.”
Still finding joy in volunteering after 28 years, Mrs Edna Edge is one of St Laurence’s longest serving volunteers.
During her time supporting others, Edna has become a valued member of the extended family life at St Laurence’s Costa House, aged care residential service.
“I started volunteering 28 years ago, and I haven’t looked back since. I love spending time with residents and staff. I really find it very fulfilling because I know I make a difference.”
Edna initially assisted with the morning and afternoon tea trolley rounds at Costa House in 1988. Now she manages the kiosk where she not only runs a tight commercial business but keeps in touch with the tastes of the residents and their families by making sure they stock the products they want at hand.
Edna’s friendly, outgoing personality puts people at ease and she has played a vital role in providing a reliable point of resident feedback about all aspects of the support and services extended.
Volunteers, from previous experience, can be a reliable and accurate source for continuous improvement suggestions.
Having recently celebrated her 87th birthday, Edna credits the time she spends volunteering and the wonderful people she meets during the course of her day to keeping her “mind active”. She is a prime example of some of the benefits associated with staying active in the local community.
St Laurence wishes to thank the enormous contribution of all their wonderful and dedicated volunteers who bring to life St Laurence’s vision and make such a difference to the lives of others.
Without the valuable contributions made by so many individuals, St Laurence would struggle to deliver such a high quality of services for so many of the residents and other clients.
St Laurence volunteers currently assist across all areas of St Laurence including aged care, disability, housing, social engagement, as well as employment and training.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact Community Partnerships co-ordinator, Angela Fortune, on 5282 0016 or volunteers@stlaurence.org.au