Aged care provider welcomes partner volunteers

The Royal Freemason’s Benevolent Institution (RFBI) inaugural Corporate Volunteer Week saw 11 RFBI villages across New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory welcome over 30 volunteers from its business partners to spend time with residents and participate in village activities.

“Our inaugural Corporate Volunteer Week was our way of allowing our business partners, who work with us every day to experience first-hand what we do,” says RFBI Chief Executive Officer Frank Price.

Volunteers enjoyed participating in a wide range of activities including bingo, reading, bowling, karaoke, dancing and helping with meals.

Jolyon Roderick National Manager , Key Accounts Suncorp, who visited RFBI’s Concord Community Hostel says he found the experience of seeing the work RFBI does first hand invaluable: “There was a real passion shown by the staff; with the positive effect their enthusiasm, energy and care has on the residents clear to see,” he says. “We left with a renewed sense of perspective around the challenges facing many in our communities and an appreciation of the contribution that organisations such as RFBI make to address these.”

John Halicas, Account Manager – Government Staples Australia Pty Limited says it was a pleasure volunteering at RFBI Hawkins Masonic Village and he learnt a great deal about the work done by RFBI.

Site Representative Nathan Jukes from Auslec volunteered at RFBI Goulburn Masonic Village, commenting: “Spending time at RFBI Goulburn Masonic Village was such a rewarding experience. The RFBI team there are wonderful carers and I truly felt like I was part of the team for the day,” he says.

RFBI confirms all the volunteers involved with the week have expressed an interest to continue to be involved and will take part in RFBI’s next volunteer week.

“I am delighted by the response we have had from our residents, staff and business partners who have participated in our first ever Corporate Volunteer Week. Clearly this has been a huge success and we will now be looking to make this an annual event on the RFBI calendar,” confirms Mr Price.

Although only core business partners were invited for this event, for future Corporate Volunteer Weeks, the organisation hopes to expand the invitation to local organisations.