From Aged Care Volunteer to Part-Time Worker

For Ambrose Lau, the decision to volunteer at Multicultural Care was driven by a desire to enhance his CV and gain practical work experience during the final year of studying social science. With previous experience as a marketing intern and research intern, he wanted a chance to explore his interests and discover true passions.

Unlike his experience working in a restaurant just to earn cash, he saw volunteering at Multicultural Care as an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of himself and the realities of working in a professional environment. This experience has been invaluable in developing practical skills and gaining insights that align with his academic pursuits.

"Volunteering at Multicultural Care has been a wonderful and enriching experience. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit centre-based respite day centres and work in the office, where I could see the entire process of how services are delivered to the elders, from the back end to the front end. Being able to go out, talk, and spend time with them has been incredibly rewarding. I feel fulfilled and proud of my contributions through volunteering," he said.

During the volunteering stint at Multicultural Care, Ambrose's primary role involved providing administrative assistance for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). He designed flyers for the weekly outings of the Centre-Based Respite (CBR) groups as well as accompanied the team leader on visits to elders in the centre-based respite day centres.

These opportunities offered a hands-on experience in understanding the consumers/participants' needs and how the services provided impact their lives. Outside of volunteering, Ambrose's focus remains on completing the final year of his studies. He also teaches a ukulele workshop for the university society and recently started teaching guitar as well. Ambrose also volunteers on Sundays, facilitating children’s events, showcasing a commitment to community engagement and skill-sharing.

The transition to part-time work at Multicultural Care came about in 2024, leveraging his ability to speak both Cantonese and Chinese. The Multicultural Care Care finder program needed someone with these language skills to connect with a Chinese-speaking group.

In his role as a Care finder, Ambrose's responsibility involves supporting vulnerable elders in navigating the aged care system and finding the necessary support services.

"I truly treasure the opportunity my team leader, Ed, has given me, and I am grateful for the kindness and support I've received from everyone at Multicultural Care. I remember feeling so happy when I shared the news with my parents and friends. It's rewarding to work for an organisation that I am proud of and deeply value."

For those considering starting volunteering, Ambrose's advice is simple: "just don’t hesitate". "Follow your heart and go for it!"

As Ambrose experienced first-hand, volunteering can provide a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment, offering experiences that go beyond personal and professional development.

Find out more about Multicultural Care