Saf organising the art material in the communal space at Hummingbird House, March 2024.

"I come to Hummingbird House on Sunday afternoons. I do a bit of everything. I help in the kitchen for an hour or two, depending on the needs of the house. If there are children in the house, I spend time with them; sometimes we do some gardening and weeding. I like helping to organise the arts and crafts materials, but the good thing is that I can just respond to the needs of the house, as they change all the time. Sometimes it’s busy, and I like that it feels like I am really helping. I really enjoy knowing that I am making a difference. For example, I know that taking care of the dishes helps a lot. It’s just lovely to be part of the House."

Annette folding the kitchen clothes after having served lunch to guests and staff, February 2024.

Annette

Kitchen Volunteer

“I retired as a teacher a few years ago, but I still wanted to do something, so I decided to volunteer at Hummingbird House. I come once a week to help in the kitchen. The very first thing I do is empty the trolley from the night before, stack the dishwasher, soak the coffee cups, wipe down all the benches and tables, refill all the cereal containers, and make sure the fridge is stocked with whatever is needed. I help our beautiful chef by taking out morning tea and then lunch. If it's very quiet in the house, I do some cleaning or put the toys away. It might sound like these little tasks aren’t important, but they help someone else along the way. When I finish my shift, I am exhausted, but it makes my heart smile. You help people here, and you just feel like you are giving back.”

Jo doing admin work in the communal space at Hummingbird House. March, 2024.

Jo

Admin Volunteer

"When I arrive at Hummingbird House, the first thing I do is write birthday cards to the kids whose birthdays are coming up. Then I usually help the admin staff with different tasks. These could include archiving and electronic filing of medical files, answering the phones, welcoming visitors, and showing them where to go. So basically, I help whoever is at the front office. I have volunteered for seven months. I really look forward to Mondays—I love it here, and I enjoy helping."

Grumpy working in the garden at Hummingbird House. March, 2024.

Grumpy

Garden and Maintenance Volunteer

"I have been volunteering at Hummingbird House for twenty-one months. When I arrive in the morning, I first sign in, get the keys, have a quick chat with the admin staff to see if they have any jobs for me, and then I talk to the housekeeping or nursing staff. I do anything and everything, like gardening, washing cars, repairing toys, housekeeping, painting, restoring furniture, or fixing bikes. I love the place and all the people. The staff are caring, and it’s just a very calming and happy environment. I usually have lunch with other volunteers and staff, which is great. I get huge satisfaction from helping, being able to give back for the care my family received here is very important to me."

Athol having morning tea and chatting with other volunteers after having worked in the garden for a few hours. February, 2024.

Athol

Gardener Volunteer

"I have volunteered at Hummingbird House for seven years. I do work in the garden, like sweeping and cleaning up leaves and mangoes, and a little bit of weeding. It’s not a difficult job, but a fun one. I like working, and I like to be busy. It’s been really good for my life. I’ve met many lovely people here who look after me. Anyone can do it; I look forward to coming here because I can help."

Marg cleaning the tables after having helped serving meals to guests, families, staff, and volunteers. March, 2024.

Marg

Kitchen Volunteer

"I am originally from the country. I was a registered nurse, and I retired in 2017. I have four children and twelve grandchildren. I like travelling in the bush and spending time with my grandkids. I started volunteering here in 2019. At the beginning, I was helping out with the children, but then I saw that help was needed in the kitchen. Volunteering is a way of giving back to the community. I like helping. I love seeing the care the nurses give to the children. It is just lovely the way they care for them and their families. I want to help by doing my part. "