Gallery: Volunteers thanked for 40 years of care
Volunteer coordinators Bec Harper and Hannah Eichhorn.
RangeCare volunteers were treated to a morning of thanks at Flaxton Gardens as the organisation marked 40 years of community service and reflected on the people who have helped carry that work from the beginning.
The RangeCare Volunteer Morning Tea, held on Thursday, May 21, brought together volunteers from across the organisation’s many programs, including the op shop, social centres, kitchen, Meals on Wheels and social connections.
Volunteer coordinators Hannah Eichhorn and Bec Harper said the event was a chance to recognise the care, time and friendship volunteers gave to RangeCare clients and staff every day.
Ms Eichhorn said the annual morning tea had become an important moment to pause and reflect on the contribution of volunteers.
“We’re here again to celebrate all of you,” she said. “So thank you for another crazy, wonderful 12 months.
“The contributions you make just blow us away all the time and we really want to portray how much you mean to us, our organisation and each other.”
This year’s celebration carried extra significance as RangeCare marked its 40th birthday.
Ms Eichhorn said the organisation had changed, grown and evolved over four decades, but volunteers had remained central to its work.
“The one thing that has remained constant is the impact that volunteers have had from the very beginning,” she said.
“Whether it’s been 40 years or a week, your contributions are just invaluable really to us and our clients.”
Ms Harper said the morning tea was designed to give volunteers a chance to relax, connect and meet others who shared the same commitment to helping people.
She said many volunteers worked in different parts of the organisation, and some spent much of their time out on the road rather than alongside a regular team.
“So you’re usually out there caring for others,” she said. “So today we’re caring for you and want you to just relax and enjoy.”
Ms Harper said the friendships formed through volunteering were also part of RangeCare’s story.
“I recently received some feedback and just like a little testimonial that actually described the team that they work with as their cottage family,” she said.
“There are lasting friendships that are being forged in the midst of the day to day as you’re out there caring.”
Volunteers were also invited to sign a guest book to record their experiences as a keepsake for RangeCare’s 40th anniversary.
