Greek Australian volunteers will be recognised for their tireless work to help the elderly in the community during National Volunteer Week.
Fronditha Care’s 200-strong group of volunteers, who donate their time at the organisation’s residential aged care facilities and visit people in their own homes, will be honoured in an annual Recognition Ceremony luncheon on 22 May.
Twenty-five volunteers will be awarded for their years of service, with one person serving more than 25 years as a volunteer, making sure people never feel alone or feel like they have no-one to talk to.
Fronditha Care was built by volunteers in the 1970s and since then its people have won industry accolades and are regularly receiving recognition from the Victorian Premier and State MPs.
One volunteer even had his kafenio idea implemented organisation-wide so that male residents and volunteers could gather to play games, drink coffee and talk. It led to the residents getting the courage to talk about their troubles and general mental health – something Greek men find quite difficult.
“They are truly amazing people who go above and beyond for those much frailer than us,” Fronditha Care Volunteer Coordinator Effie Kapnias said stressing that the impact volunteers have is immense.
“They brighten up a day with just simple gestures like singing a song or holding someone’s hand who feels lonely.”
The City of Newcastle’s Young Citizen of the Year Finalist and Fronditha Care staffer, Irini Kassas will be a guest speaker at this year’s Fronditha Care Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. A special tribute will be paid to Elly Frangis, a long-time volunteer and now resident of Fronditha Care’s Clayton South facility.