Volunteers

Viv's Story

After retiring from work and after being a St John Ambulance volunteer for ten years, I decided I was too old to be chasing nice young men about a football field, or escorting patients in very small planes all over the North Island. I hate heights!

I started as a volunteer under John Gainsford’s tutelage when we were still based at Orongo in View Road Campbells Bay.

Initially I worked as a” homecare” volunteer visiting patients at home to give family members some time out. I met some interesting people.

One person had moved to the North Shore from Tinopai in the 1930s. She remembered when the current hospice site was a commercial vegetable garden and strawberry farm.

Another patient introduced me to jigsaw puzzles. I was not a particular fan of doing jigsaws but she used to wait every week for me to help her with the latest puzzle and I grew to enjoy them with her.

After my husband died I asked for a change and since then I have worked in the kitchen, reception, sausage sizzles and garage sales.

I remember our first garage sale - all the tables were outside, and it poured with rain!

However as Eric will be remembered for his sausage sizzle, maybe the thing I will be remembered for the most, is my scones. I have made scones for many years for many occasions and events. These days I make scones every Saturday morning for the patients and staff morning tea. (Editor's Note: They are delicious)

In conclusion I would say Thank You to all the staff and Volunteers who have made me feel so useful. I do enjoy my work at the hospice”

Viv