Honouring the volunteers
Sydney’s Montefiore Home has celebrated its hardworking volunteers through events scheduled throughout National Volunteer Week (NVW).
Elizabeth Green, Eva Streichler, Brian and Susie Gold
Erik Shames, Jerrold Jacobson and Meyer Toblib
NVW is the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia providing an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our communities and to say thank you to the more than 6 million Australians who volunteer.
At Montefiore there over 530 active volunteers who enhance the Quality of Life of our Residents in so many ways. The Volunteers supports dozens of programs and services, including groups like the Ladies and Fete Committee. During the last financial year more than 30, 000 hours were contributed by our Volunteers across all campuses. We are committed to demonstrating our gratitude with workshops and development opportunities.
Sessions were held at both the Randwick and Hunters Hill Campuses with our visiting Laughter Lawyer Jackie Curran. Jackie’s ‘Laughter Yoga’ workshops explain the many health benefits of laughter and demonstrate ways to add laughter to your life as an easy form of exercise. Studies have revealed that Laughter is an effective tool in reducing stress, increasing work productivity and promoting general wellbeing. Her workshops were enjoyed by over 120 Volunteers.
Montefiore also gave Volunteers the opportunity to take a guided tour of the Sydney Jewish Museum. One in three of our Residents is a Holocaust Survivor with unique and complex care needs. In response to this demand Montefiore has developed an innovative and award winning Holocaust Awareness program for staff and volunteers to understand and address these needs.
Naomi Gam and Joan Toblib
