Together we achieve more – National Volunteer Week
Together we achieve more – National Volunteer Week
Volunteers are an essential part of Cranford Hospice. Collectively they play a crucial role in supporting the full range of services for patients and whānau, and helping raise nearly $3 million a year through their retail stores and fundraising programme.
Cranford Hospice is a cause close to the hearts of many, as illustrated by GT, who volunteers his time in the hospice stores and inpatient unit.
“I like being here because I just love the people that I work with. They become friends. My father died early at 42 and so I’ve always wanted to help. I just feel that I can give so much more back and I just love doing it. I try and get in as many days as I can, just to help.”
Chief Executive Janice Byford-Jones reflects on the importance of volunteers:
“The mahi of volunteers is deeply moving. We absolutely could not do what we do for our community, without the time and effort that these beautiful people put into supporting us.
We exist to deliver the best possible end-of-life care to patients and their whānau so that each family can treasure every moment they have together. This would not be possible without the amazing volunteers who support us daily.”
Just as each one of Cranford’s patients receives care based on what is important to them, Cranford has a variety of volunteering opportunities so people can be matched to a role that suits them.
“I like to keep busy and there’s always something different to do. Any field that I feel I have some knowledge in, well that comes into the stores all the time, so I get stuck in to help clean it, make sure it works and prepare it for sale,” says Graham, a Waipukurau Store volunteer.
Each time they serve a store customer, prepare donated goods for sale, or deliver a bed into a patient’s home, Cranford volunteers are making a positive difference in the lives of many.
With a range of opportunities to get involved, the team are especially wanting to hear from people who are comfortable lifting, delivering, driving or want to prepare donated goods for sale. This can be for as little as a couple of hours a week or being on call.
If you are interested, please contact Mel Lewis on 06 878 7047 or email mel.lewis@cranfordhospice.org.nz