90-year-old woman says she loves to volunteer and has no plans to slow down
Volunteers are an important part of any hospital and one southeast Queensland woman loves it so much she is still helping out at 90 years of age.
Redlands Coast
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VONNIE Seabourne is a dedicated volunteer at Redland Hospital like many, but her age sets her apart from most.
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The 90-year-old helps out in the Renal Unit alongside her daughter Christine Jeffery who is a new volunteer.
The pair give hand and feet massages to the patients and make them feel more at home.
Mrs Seabourne said she spent four and a half hours at the hospital every Monday and did it because she simply loved helping people.
“I love meeting people and getting to know the patients,” she said.
“They tell us their stories and it breaks the boredom of patients who are receiving treatment.
“The patients really love it – if we don’t turn up we get into trouble.”
Mrs Seabourne also helps to refresh the flowers in rooms throughout the hospital.
“There’s always plenty of volunteers needed,” she said.
“I did a similar thing for seven years at Caboolture Hospital before here.”
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The kind-hearted volunteer also makes crafty creations to sell at the Koala Kiosk which raises money for vital equipment across the hospital.
Redland Hospital volunteer coordinator Michelle Hall said there were a number of volunteer programs available, including meet-and-greet programs, patient visits, and initiatives to support staff.
“We are very blessed with our volunteers,” she said. “(They are) all local people.
“Part of volunteering is having that giving attitude.”
Redland Hospital currently has 100 volunteers. To get involved click here.
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