Volunteering for Dementia Australia has not only helped Julie Jackson and Karen Kelly to make valuable contributions to their communities, it has also given them valuable life experiences.
During National Volunteer Week (19-25 May), Dementia Australia is celebrating the more than 1,200 volunteers who are currently engaged in making a significant contribution to the not-for-profit organisation's support of people impacted by dementia.
For Julie Jackson, who volunteers in rural Victoria, volunteering is another valuable life experience.
"For me volunteering is such a wonderful opportunity to support members of the community, but also as a volunteer I receive and learn from others," Ms Jackson said.
Karen Kelly has been a Dementia Australia volunteer for two years after starting volunteering for other organisations 20 years ago.
"I've volunteered with the homeless, in animal welfare, day respite and as a visitor in aged care facilities," Ms Kelly said.
"Volunteering is extremely rewarding for me, I love feeling part of a team and seeing the difference I can make to someone else's life."
Karen volunteers at one of Dementia Australia's Memory Lane Cafes and enjoys seeing the friendships that are formed between clients and carers.
"I feel grateful that I have the ability to volunteer," she said.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said volunteers, many of whom had a personal connection to dementia, were an essential part of the organisation.
"Without our volunteers' time and compassion we wouldn't be able to deliver what we do," Professor Buchanan said. "The time they give allows us to reach more people and build truly connected dementia-friendly communities."
