Page 12 - PSNZ Annual Report 2017-18

Enliven - the year in review
Nelson volunteer Shane Torrance enjoys spending time with Enliven day programme attendees.
VOLUNTEERING
Nelson’s Shane Torrance doesn’t fit the stereotype of a volunteer at an older person’s day programme.
But his tattoos, shaved head, and heavy-metal t-shirts belie a big soft heart. Now the older ladies who once wouldn’t let him hold their handbags while they climbed into the Enliven van, call him their friend.
A few years ago Shane lost his legs
and some eyesight as a result of Type 1 Diabetes, ending his career as a painter and decorator. Today volunteering gives Shane the sense of purpose he used to get from employment, and because he knows what it feels like to almost lose his independence, he enjoys helping others who may be struggling with theirs.
Shane is just one of more than 1,100 Enliven volunteers making a positive difference in the lives of elders across New Zealand.
Like many Enliven volunteers, he helps on Enliven van runs, serves morning tea, chats with elders, and helps with activities.
He says volunteering gives him a sense of purpose and an extensive network of friends.
“You get far more out of it than you put in.”
Christchurch’s Marilyn McLellan agrees. The Enliven HomeShare group host’s voice gets thoughtful and dreamy when asked what she gets out of volunteering.
“You hear the joy and laughter of people who might be living on their own
and wouldn’t experience that joy if it weren’t for your help,” says Marilyn.
“There’s this immense satisfaction from knowing you’ve made somebody’s day better.”
“There’s this immense satisfaction from knowing you’ve made somebody’s day better.”
Enliven’s Trish Armstrong, who coordinates the Nelson volunteer team, says volunteers add significant value to Enliven’s services across the country.
“Because we are a not-for-profit organisation our volunteers are an integral part of the team. They donate thousands of hours to supporting elders in their communities.
“It’s inspiring to see how motivated people are to give back. We couldn’t do it without them.”
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