International Volunteer Day – Interviews

To celebrate International Volunteer Day, Saturday 5th December 2015, The JNC would like to acknowledge and thank all of our volunteers for their time, input and commitment. We interviewed three of our JNC volunteers to capture their unique volunteering experiences.

Jan Wyllie – Volunteer Coordinator of the Knitting Network 

Why did you become a volunteer?
The former volunteer knitting group leader recommended me to do this job. I hadn’t thought of this before I was put forward. I thought it was really good opportunity to help others in the community who needed.

What do you most enjoy about your volunteer role?
Meeting with all the girls, having a bit of fun. Cups of tea, jokes, just messing around.

Marie – Volunteer Art Tutor

Why did you become a volunteer?
This was a great opportunity for me. I originally trained as a high school teacher in Newcastle…. I did some casual teaching and also trained adults with disabilities. I’m more involved in painting and illustrating children’s books these days. When this volunteering opportunity came about I saw it and I thought fantastic, I can challenge what I originally set out to do, as volunteer art tutor.

What do you most enjoy about your volunteer role?
This is the amazing thing, this is a volunteer position, obviously I’m not being paid but what I’m getting from it is that, I saw the opportunity to go back to the teaching role I trained for. I’ve had to go revise Art history for myself, and then pitch it from a fun level and enjoy the interaction with the people here. I’m getting something from it, I feel inspired. I think its fantastic, it gets you out.

It gives you a link into what you could do after you leave employment.

Ann – Volunteer Information Assistant, Social Support Volunteer Home Visit Volunteer and Day Away Group Assistant Volunteer

Why did you become a volunteer?
When I left full time employment it was always my thought that I would become a volunteer.I really wanted to visit people in their homes. I had family who were left without any social support in their home and I think it was just essential to do that.

What do you most enjoy about your volunteer roles?
The home visits. I have one very nice client who is 96 years of age and I read to her as she is partially blind and she’s also a published author and I’m helping her finish her story. I find it very satisfying.

To find out more information on becoming a volunteer for the JNC or community you can phone us on: 02 9349 8200 or email: jncvolunteer@jnc.org.au