Mayflower Celebrates National Volunteer Week by Expressing Heartfelt Gratitude Dedicated Volunteers

National Volunteer Week, celebrated each year in May, is Australia’s largest annual event recognising and celebrating the significance of volunteering. This special week highlights the crucial contributions of volunteers in our community and encourages those who haven't yet volunteered to get involved.

This year's theme was ‘Something for Everyone’, highlighting that there’s a place for everyone in the world of volunteering – and we couldn’t agree more.

The stats are in, and unsurprisingly, an incredible 20% of all Victorian Australians volunteer in the aged care sector.

According to Volunteering Australia, the top two reasons for volunteering in aged care are:

To do something that is meaningful and creates change
To help others in your local community

National Volunteer Week at Mayflower

Mayflower invited their volunteers from across Mayflower to come together for a high tea event, to be celebrated and appreciated for their invaluable contributions.

During the event, each volunteer received a thoughtful gift as a token of gratitude. Mayflower also presented certificates to honour those who have served the organisation for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years - marking significant milestones of their commitment and dedication.

Keeping it Fresh Each Year

This year a video was presented to attendees, with heartfelt messages of thanks from residents, management, the wider team and Mayflower CEO, Stuart Rodney.

The presentation concluded with a solemn moment as everyone remembered well-loved Gift Shop volunteer Lorraine, who sadly passed away.

In the week leading up to the special event, residents and team were also given the opportunity to sign an A2 sized card – with many notes of appreciation added.

A highlight during the event was a touching moment during Nicole’s speech when she encouraged each attendee to give each other a standing applause.

The room erupted withjoy and applause – creating a lasting memory for everyone.

CEO, Stuart Rodney, also expressed his gratitude at the event, greeting many volunteers individually, and highlighting each person’s profound impact in connecting with residents.

Through their selfless contributions, volunteers help combat loneliness and bring a sense of purpose to both themselves and those they support.

A Very Important Role

Volunteers at Mayflower play a vital role in various areas, from tending gardens and quiz mastery, to running Bingo, and looking after the Mayflower Brighton Gift Shop.

This year's milestone awards were:

20 Years

Glenn Delaney – Quiz Master

15 Years

Helen Wartman – Gift Shop Volunteer

10 Years

Barbara McArdle – Gift Shop Volunteer

Anne Culley - Gift Shop Volunteer

5 Years

Carolyn de Smit - Gift Shop Volunteer Mayflower also acknowledges Carolyn assisted Lifestyle with Happy Hour while a loved one of hers was a resident.

Volunteering at Mayflower

If you are inspired to ‘Make a Difference’ and join the team of Mayflower volunteers, please call 1300 520 893. Your contribution can create meaningful connections and bring joy to the lives of many.