Volunteering Effort by Scouts Is Bloomin’ Brilliant

Some would say it’s all about being prepared, while others at not-for-profit aged care home Mercy Place Mont Clare are convinced it’s a pretty rosy relationship in the making.

That’s because half a dozen scouts from Pelican Point Sea Scouts were very busy undertaking a gardening revamp at the Claremont-based home for seniors recently, all under the guidance of 91-year-old resident and gardening pro Mr Warwick Fear.

The hard labour is all part of the scouts values of caring for others as well as contributing to society, and the resident in charge of the work at the rooftop garden readily admits that sharing his passion with the group of seven year-olds was something he very much enjoyed.

And local scout William, aged 7, said he loved being involved in the voluntary work because: "it felt great to help other people."

Mercy Place Mont Clare Service Manager, Janelle McFarlane, said the gardening initiative proved to be a win-win relationship, with the boys involved learning a great deal about plants, herbs and general gardening from Mr Fear, who in turn has been placed in charge of revamping the rooftop space with the help of the boys involved.

 “Gardening is a fulfilling and enriching activity for our residents and we are genuinely delighted that the local scouts were happy to volunteer their time to put in some new plants to enable our residents and their friends and relatives to really enjoy our rooftop garden,” she said.

“Everyone at Mont Clare is excited about the garden transformation, and it was wonderful to see how respectful the boys were of Warwick’s gardening knowledge; our seniors are really enjoying the finished result.”

Scout leader Derrick Kuan said it was important for the scouts to understand that they could make a difference, no matter what their age.

“It's great that they had the opportunity to learn how much knowledge and expertise there is out there, and also that helping others can be lots of fun too,” he said.

Find out more about Mercy Health.