Why retirement is a great time to start volunteering
If you spend some time planning ahead and making sure your finances are in order, retirement can be a great time to give back to those that need it the most. We’ve gathered a selection of stories from Over60 community members who found meaning and value in volunteering in retirement.
April Halliday – “I have been a patient volunteer with hospice for the last 15 years as well as meals on wheels. I am also in Rotary and put in many hours helping to raise money to put back in the community.”
Dot Ponchard – “I help out at my grandchildren's school with reading, canteen and covering library books and home readers. I also knit trauma teddies for the Red Cross. Three of my sisters and I have knitted over 600 in less than two years. I love helping out!”
Mona Oliver – “I love volunteering. I am a senior field officer with State Emergency Service. Have, on and off, helped at the Salvos op-shop. Doorknock for the annual Heart Foundation fundraiser. Occasionally work as a barista for friends of the library. And at present am involved with PACT, an organisation who supports child witnesses through the court process. Can be very rewarding.”
Dee Hogan – “I was a paid manager for a charity for over 30 years and I had about 70 volunteers who were wonderful. The charity couldn't operate without them. I'm now retired and I volunteer for an art society. I love it and I'm learning to paint.”
Rod Coe – “I have been with a volunteer youth mentoring organisation for a couple of years. It has been a great experience working in the schools with disruptive students. We must save millions for the government!”
Patrick Kearney – “Wonderful 18 months with St John Ambulance as a driver. Met some very cheeky and loveable ladies who just made my day. Also, I was at Queensland Kidney Foundation taking people to their dialysis at Greenslopes Hospital. I sadly had to stop volunteering as my back lost its strength but I remember all those I met with great fondness.”
Helen Kelly – “I really love my volunteer job as an emergency relief worker at my community centre. I speak to people needing assistance with food, bills and accommodation. I just love it. It is very rewarding. I can assist others, I can use my skills, I can make connections with clients and other volunteers.”
Lyn Mottrom – “I am a volunteer presenter with the local community radio station and I also volunteer through the council for Positive Ageing and love both positions.”
Rhonda Hodges – “[I volunteered at the] Salvos, sorting clothes. Amazing experience and I receive more than I give, from customers, managers and my fellow sorters.”
Tricia Stack – “With secretarial and bookkeeping background, I now volunteer in those positions to local community groups and love it!”
This article has been sponsored by AustralianSuper Pty Ltd ABN 94 006 457 987, AFSL 233788, Trustee of AustralianSuper ABN 65 714 394 898. The views expressed are those of Over60 and not AustralianSuper. For more information about AustralianSuper, please visit australiansuper.com.