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Long career to natural volunteer

22 September 2022
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Hilary Childs is one of our amazing volunteers. She also previously worked at Presbyterian Support as a receptionist and administrator for a tremendous 30 years. Following her well-deserved retirement, she says it was a natural decision to stay on as a volunteer, a role which she has now held for three years.

Hilary dedicates 10 hours per week as a van assistant and helper at our Enliven Harakeke club in Riccarton, and as a wonderful support for some of our administration tasks at head office. Hilary says she enjoys being a volunteer as the staff are "friendly, enthusiastic and warm, and this is reflected in the fun day the clients have."

Outside of volunteering, Hilary likes to keep active. She attends the gym four times a week and enjoys gardening. Otherwise, she can be found enjoying a coffee or a movie with friends. When asked how she fits in her volunteering role around her other commitments, she says that Wednesday and Friday are her dedicated volunteer days, but that she keeps the other days free so she can still catch up with friends and concentrate on her other hobbies.

Hilary comments that “being happy at the end of the day” and seeing the club members “enjoying themselves” are the most rewarding parts of being a volunteer. She fondly remembers one club member who was having difficulty catching a ball. Hilary often spent time with her practicing bouncing balls back and forth. One day she finally caught one of the balls and Hilary says, “Seeing the joy on the member’s face was a wonderful moment."

Become a volunteer!

Hilary and our other volunteers do a wonderful job. For more information on becoming a volunteer, contact us today.

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