Lily Burns is 90 years old, while Charlise Hannagan is 21. Lily, a Moorebank resident is one of HammondCare’s oldest volunteers, while Charlise, who hails from Narellan, is one of the youngest.
The pair star in HammondCare’s new Share Joy – Volunteer with Us campaign alongside chief executive Mike Baird, the former premier of NSW, pictured above.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage more people to consider the wonderful personal rewards that come from committing time to spread joy to older people.
Each week Lily makes social visits to HammondCare’s The Pines aged care home where she brings laughter into the lives of residents, all of whom live with dementia.
Lily lost her husband Laurie six years ago this month after his own 15-year journey with dementia and her decision to volunteer at The Pines springs from that.
“Some residents with dementia don’t get visitors so if I can join in and bring some fun into their lives it’s wonderful,” she said.
It does not matter to Welsh-born Lily that most are years her junior.
“We play bingo, dominos, Uno or whatever they want to play, but usually they want to play bingo!” she said.
“The winner gets some sugar-free lollies that I bring along, but then again everyone gets some sugar-free lollies whether they win or not!”
Charlise on the other hand gives her time to help home care residents, dropping in accompanied by her dog Mollie.
An NDIS support worker who wants to study medicine next year, Charlise said she finds providing companionship to people in their homes who might otherwise be lonely is rewarding.
“We have a chat, have a cup of tea or some gardening to help out and they can join in.”
To see the campaign video on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5-nuSLwD2Q
