But Echuca Regional Health could not run without them.
Here is the story of an ERH volunteer.
VIDEO: Dawn Glanville shares her story
DAWN Glanville and Glanville Village – it’s a match made in heaven.
Not just because Dawn’s last name seems made for the place.
The soft-spoken local has a gift for bringing joy to residents’ lives, whether she’s baking delicious cakes for the coffee shop or bringing her puppies around for a cuddle.
Dawn started volunteering at the facility almost five years ago.
Initially helping in all areas, she’s now mainly focused on Glanville’s coffee shop.
A whiz on the coffee machine, Dawn also keeps the tables stocked with a spread of cakes, all complete with a healthy dash of love.
“On Monday I make three different sorts of cakes,” she said.
“Then I get here just after 9am on Tuesday and set up the coffee shop and deliver the coffee and talk to the people and clean up afterwards.
“The coffee shop is an amazing place for residents to interact. And I don't think the cakes are very special but it's just that they're different to what they normally have.”Dawn also brings her beloved poodles Katie, Nina and Meeka in for pet therapy sessions with the residents.
“I had the three poodles and thought this was something I could do. Because if I was in a nursing home I’d want to see a pet,” she said.
“I just go around and visit the residents and talk to them and if residents like dogs I’ll bring them in.
“I have one particular dog that if you give her an inch, she'll take a mile. So if I put her near the bed and a lady says, 'Oh, yes, I love dogs', she's on the bed before you can say Jack Robinson, she's really quick and really lovely with old people who just want to pat a dog.’’
Recently retired, Dawn said volunteering at Glanville gave her an interest to fill her spare time.
“I don't have anything else much on so the rest of the week, I like something to keep me occupied,” she said.
“And I love the oldies, they're just beautiful.”
16°C