Mercy Health Celebrates Special Sam

Aged care home Mercy Place Woree is celebrating its volunteers as part of upcoming International Volunteer Day on Saturday 5 December.

As a not-for-profit organisation run by Mercy Health, the home relies on the generosity of volunteers – so it’s people like 63-year-old Sam Saffioti who has been volunteering with the organisation for over four years who really make a difference.

Manunda resident Sam first started volunteering at Mercy Place Woree in 2011 after he semi-retired and made the decision to find some rewarding voluntary work.

“I originally thought about volunteering in a hospital, but then someone mentioned aged care and I thought I’d see if they needed any help at Mercy Place Woree; I’ve been here ever since,” he said.

Sam travels to the aged care home four times a week, where he spends each morning assisting care staff serve breakfast and organise activities, as well as spending time chatting to residents usually over a cup of tea.

He has found volunteering at the aged care home so rewarding that he has gone on to study for a Certificate III in Aged Care, which he credits with giving him further insight into the sector, particularly best-practice dementia care.

“Mercy Place Woree is home to people from their late 60s through to people over 100 years old.  They come from varying backgrounds and countries and have some really interesting experiences and stories to tell, I learn something new every day I’m there,” he adds.

“The residents, their stories, and making a small difference in their lives, often by making them laugh, are my favourite things about volunteering, and I feel very appreciated by residents and staff, in fact that is what really lifts me up too.”

Mercy Health Queensland State Manager, Ms Anita Ghose, says Mercy Health was thankful for its wonderful volunteers, like Sam.

“We have a small but incredible group of dedicated volunteers of all ages who help make Mercy Health what it is today and we can’t thank them enough for their support,” she said.

“International Volunteers Day is a great opportunity to reflect on the generosity of our volunteers, who give their time so selflessly to help in a variety of ways.”

Click here to find out more about Mercy Health's residential aged care.