23 May 2020
By Lou Paykel, volunteer
I started as a volunteer with Jewish Care in 1997. At the time, I was ‘dropping in and chatting’ with Elders living at ‘Monte’ and sometimes with people living in the community.
In 2011, I became involved at the Active Living Centre, which was then in Kooyong Road, together with other volunteers. My involvement was with the Men’s Group. I met great guys - all clients of Jewish Care - and a good time was had by all. We would do lots of different activities, including chatting, touching on current affairs, playing games, ‘mini-golf-putting’, and solving puzzles, like 9-letter words, presented on our whiteboard.
We’d also take mini-bus outings to various destinations that were not too far away, although we did go over the bridge to Williamstown once or twice and also to Mordialloc. Both of these destinations offered excellent Fish and Chips (Kosher? Of course!).
About three years ago, I ‘bowed out’ of being physically present at the Active Living Centre but have had the pleasure of staying in touch with several clients, volunteers, and devoted staff, both by phone and email.
Such contact at any time, but particularly in times of ‘lock-down’, is quite precious for all concerned!
My best wishes to you all.
To find out more about volunteering at Jewish Care, contact 8517 5777 or [email protected]