Braemar Volunteers Set Sail On Recognition Journey

Twenty of Braemar Presbyterian Care’s longest serving volunteers were recognised for their dedication and commitment during a volunteer function aboard the cruise ship Astor last Friday. 

The volunteers - who range in age from millennials to seniors in their 80s - were treated to a four course luncheon in addition to a comprehensive tour of the ship, before being presented with a commemorative pin to acknowledge their significant contribution to the not-for-profit aged care organisation over their many years of volunteering.

Braemar’s General Manager Workforce Renee Reid, who heads up the organisation’s growing volunteer program, said that people who give their time to aged care providers were critical to support the ongoing care and friendship of senior residents.

“In many ways Braemar’s volunteers are the unsung heroes of our community and we’re very fortunate to have passionate individuals that are willing to go the extra mile for our residents,” she says.

“As a result, we wanted to thank them in a memorable way with a special event outside of their everyday lives, and everyone at The Astor team was wonderful in terms of making them feel special and very welcome.

“Volunteers make an invaluable contribution to Braemar and this event was intended to publicly recognise both their generosity of time and their big hearts,” Ms Reid added.

Braemar’s volunteers range from young people in their 20s, to retired locals in their 60s and beyond, all of whom contribute to the organisation by, for example, providing companionship, cooking meals, accompanying seniors on outings, presenting musical recitals and even hosting sporting activities.

Braemar Presbyterian Care is currently calling for locals in the Fremantle and City of Melville area who may have a few hours to spare each week, and who would like to explore volunteering opportunities, to get in touch by contacting (08) 6279 3600.

Braemar Presbyterian Care is a community ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Western Australia. Braemar operates three residential care facilities providing 220 residential places. 

Pictured: Darrell Thatcher, Wayne Belcher (CEO) and Avril Rivers / Braemar Volunteer Group aboard Astor