4 April 2016
Volunteer spotlight – Belinda
Thank you to our amazing and passionate volunteer Belinda who is moving away from Brisbane. We’ll miss your dedication and big smile. Best of luck with your new future!
What inspired me to volunteer was when I saw a TV commercial with Todd Winther telling us that the worst thing about having a disability was not the lack of physical movement or speech, but the lack of choices he had with basic things we take for granted, such as being able to go where he wants to go, choosing when to go to the toilet and when to go to sleep. This was heart breaking for me and it was then when I decided I wanted to make a difference in my own small way.
Although I work full time and have a family to take care of, I have rostered days off, and requested that my days off could coincide with Youngcare events, which my wonderful boss often did for me.
I HAD to do this. I HAD to create awareness and make a difference. I wanted people to know that there were over 7,000 young Australians living in aged care facilities and nursing homes, because there was nowhere else they could get the assistance they needed.
I wanted people like me, who have been blessed with perfect health to think about what life must be like in that situation. Often people I spoke to would then think about how it would feel if it were them or a loved one in that predicament, and would donate money or buy a badge etc, for this very worthy cause. I would say to people, even if they could not afford to donate, that I just wanted them to be aware. I asked them to have conversations with family members, friends and work colleagues about this because people need to know. Also they may know someone who can donate or volunteer to help make a change, and in so doing help give young people with a disability a life with dignity. Everyone I spoke with was very receptive, kind and often generous with donations.
I highly recommend volunteering for this very worthy cause. I have met some amazing and wonderful people through Youngcare. The people who work for this not for profit organisation are positive, happy and selfless, and who all have the same goal…to help young people with high care needs have a better life.
From this experience I now believe that you truly do help yourself when you help others.
When working with the Youngcare staff and other volunteers, you are with like-minded people, and it will give you fulfilment like you have never known. If you want to make a difference for others, work with a fun and up-beat group of people, and feel amazing doing it – contact Liz Cattermole from Youngcare.
Belinda
