The hard work of the 120-strong volunteer team that keeps the vital Albany Community Hospice ticking was recognised last week, with a worthy gong at the Great Southern Volunteer of the Year Awards.
The hospice was handed the Great Southern volunteer organisation of the year title at the Albany and Regional Volunteer Services-hosted ceremony at the Albany Entertainment Centre on May 20.
An eight-bed palliative care hospital where patients receive in-patient care in a home-like environment, the hospice has provided end of life support and free care for more than three decades.
As well as work within the hospital supporting patients, volunteers work on reception, organise fundraising events, manage the gardens, provide catering services and serve on the board and committees.
More than 50 volunteers run the Butterflies Op-Shop, where 100 per cent of all profits go towards supporting hospice.
Hospice acting chief executive Megan Downes said the team was “incredibly honoured” to be recognised among the many nominated organisations.
“Across our community, there are countless groups and individuals doing remarkable work, creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect, contribute and make a real difference through volunteering,” she said.
“To receive this award and be recognised among our peers in this way is both deeply meaningful and a wonderful reflection of the compassion, dedication and impact of our volunteers.
“This award recognises the efforts of all our volunteers and the positive difference they make to the work we do at hospice.”
Ms Downes said the hospice’s 100-plus volunteers contributed an estimated 15,000 hours a year to the organisation.
Of these dedicated volunteers three of them have served for more than 20 years — one of them for the entire 35 years the hospice has operated.
“Albany Community Hospice was established by our community for our community in 1990 and since this time, palliative care has been provided for free,” Ms Downes said.
“In the early days, all the care provided to patients was done exclusively by volunteers.
“Our volunteers continue to contribute in meaningful ways today which supports our model of providing free care to those in need. There would be no hospice without our volunteers.”
Other nominees in the Great Southern volunteer organisation of the year award were Cancer Council WA - Great Southern Hub, Lets Shine - All Abilities Performing Group at Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company, Albany Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Keep Albany Beautiful, Great Southern FM, Cycling Without Age WA - Albany, The Albany Heritage Park and Uplyft Volunteer Family Connect Program.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails