Volunteers often declare that they get as much, or more, out of volunteering than the clients they assist. Not seeing their role in monetary terms, they are happy to be rewarded by the simple things that make life worthwhile: making friends, enjoying that welcoming smile and knowing that, even in a small way, their presence has helped to brighten another person’s day.

But Catholic Community Services goes further than most organisations and chooses to at least recognise the contributions of the Volunteers by inviting them to an annual buffet dinner. This is a very generous acknowledgement of the contribution each Volunteer makes to Catholic Community Services and the event is always very enjoyable. The buffet meal is a gourmet selection of main courses, salads and vegetables, followed by a mouth-watering array of desserts, and tea or coffee.
There are awards for Volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to their roles – nominated either by the staff or by the clients – as well as for those who have achieved long-service of five, ten or even fifteen years. There were also lucky-door prizes, raffles and a silent auction.
To crown it all, this year we were entertained by The Velvet Set Swing Band which lured the more active onto the floor for a ‘FUN not serious competition’. For those of us less agile, we could at least bask in the memory of our more active dancing days.

All this involved a lot of organisation, and for this we have to acknowledge and thank our much-admired Volunteer Manager and her staff. Kerry Lovell always presents as being calm and unflustered, despite the amount of planning that goes into such an event. She also has an admirable ability to recall the names of each of her 600 Volunteers and their particular roles and clients. She ensures that the evening proceeds as planned and we are all the better knowing that she is in control. She makes each of us feel ‘special’. Thank you, Kerry.

Margaret
CCS Volunteer