Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities. Carinity's unpaid contributors serve as prison and hospital chaplains or offer support in our aged care homes, special assistance schools, and community services.
This week is National Volunteer Week (May 18-24), an opportunity for Carinity to thank the 150 dedicated volunteers who support our services around Queensland.
Kerrie Alford has been a regular contributor at the Carinity Fassifern Community Centre in Boonah for the past five years.
"I work in the kitchen and café, taking and preparing customers' orders as well as doing prep work for events like bingo, community barbeque and other functions."
"I like interacting with customers, Carinity staff and my fellow volunteers. There is a great support network at Fassifern Community Centre.
"I look forward to coming into the centre each week to catch up with everyone. I can highly recommend being a volunteer here, meeting people and helping others."
Ron Holley first became involved with the Carinity Shalom seniors' community in Rockhampton 41 years ago. He began volunteering as a chaplain at the aged care home a decade ago.
"As a volunteer chaplain, I have had the incredible privilege of being able to live for and talk about Jesus to staff, residents, families and their friends," Ron said.
"I have had the joy of conducting devotions, church services, Easter, Christmas, ANZAC Day and funeral services.
"My most enjoyable ministry was visiting residents in their room to listen, laugh, cry, build friendships and trust, and get to know their families.
"There is no greater joy than being able to come into someone's room, read the word of God and pray with them to comfort, encourage and bring them hope."
