International Volunteer Day

December 5 marks International Volunteer Day – a special day to acknowledge the huge difference volunteers make to so many lives in our community.

Ken Falkner is a Blue Haven community volunteer driver who deserves to be recognised. A former TAFE Engineering instructor, Ken has been volunteering for Blue Haven community for an astounding 17 years. He started doing home gardening, changing lightbulbs for seniors and helping out with home maintenance. Ken then moved onto bus driving and has been in that role for 15 years.

Ken says he volunteers because he gets a lot of satisfaction from helping people, plain and simple. It’s through volunteering that he gets to meet so many interesting people with interesting stories. “Seniors have worked hard all their lives and deserve some help”, says Ken.

We couldn’t agree more!

Ken picks Blue Haven Community clients up from their home and takes them shopping to buy groceries, medical appointments or transport to and from the Seaside Group at Blue Haven Bonaira. Some clients have lost the ability to drive which can be frustrating. Ken is here to lend a helping hand and meet a few friends along the way.

“I find it rewarding to meet other people and supporting them”, says Ken. “It adds to the social connection.”“You get to know clients fairly well and form connections with them”, says Ken.

Blue Haven couldn’t operate without our volunteers like Ken. Their contribution ranges from driving, helping with community transport buses and cars, individual shopping for or with clients, group social outings, individual social outings, and more.

Blue Haven would like to take this opportunity to express our warmest gratitude and acknowledge our volunteers for their continuous commitment and kindness. You are all truly amazing and we couldn’t do it without you!

Blue Haven have lost volunteers due to COVID-19 and we are actively recruiting for more. If you are looking to make connections in the community and experience all of the amazing benefits of volunteering, sign up now:

1. Fill in our volunteer application form: www.bluehavenillawarra.com.au/about-us/volunteering
2. Email the completed form to enquiries@bluehavencare.com.au or call us (02) 4203 4055
3. Our Service Facilitator will be in touch with you!