Special Birthday Celebrations to Mark 26 Years of Volunteering at MercyVille

Elise Hayward will celebrate her 43^rd birthday on Friday 19 June, and in the process, celebrate 26 years of volunteering at a local not-for-profit nursing home in Craigie. The dedicated local started volunteering at MercyVille aged care home when she was just 17 years of age, so has been a regular volunteer for over half of her life.

“My mum works at MercyVille as a carer, and I started to come here with her after suffering some mental health issues as a teenager. It was mum’s idea so she could watch over me, and also so I felt safe, but I soon realised that I just loved spending time with the residents. They’re wonderful people and I just adore them,” she says.

“To me they are like family, they make me smile all the time and MercyVille is such a lovely, warm environment that I love spending time here and I enjoy helping, whether that’s sitting with residents and chatting over a cup of tea, getting involved with activities or even doing the dishes at the weekend.

“I can’t believe that I have been volunteering for such a long time, but I am very excited about celebrating with the residents to mark turning 43.”

MercyVille Service Manager, Alison Devonport, said Mercy Health was extremely fortunate to have Elise as a volunteer, who she says is invaluable in supporting the ongoing care and friendship of senior residents.

“Elise has been singled out for special recognition on her birthday because of her wonderful commitment to helping enrich the lives of the older people living at MercyVille,” she says.

“Over the years, she has built up a fantastic rapport with our residents and we really appreciate her taking the time to volunteer. The seniors very much enjoy her company and in many ways she is a real unsung hero of our community.

“Her contribution to our home over more than a quarter of a century has been outstanding, and she truly deserves the recognition, on this her 43rd birthday, as she brings happiness to everyone.”

Find out more about Mercy Health.