In the kitchen with Belinda and Maria

Meet Belinda, an enthusiastic volunteer whose Italian heritage was the inspiration behind her decision to volunteer.

For Belinda, her Italian born parents were longstanding clients of Co.As.It., and volunteering provides an opportunity to keep cultural traditions alive while ‘giving back’.

Belinda was matched with Maria, 90, and their friendship is bonded by coffee, cooking, crafts. Maria is a renowned quilt-maker, with a passion for Italian culture.

This is what Belinda shared about why she chose to volunteer:

I got involved because I wanted to help someone but in the end I found it was helping me just as much. It also upsets me that so many people are sitting at home or in aged care with no one to visit them.

It gives me so much joy to give back to someone. My visits are always fun. Maria and other older people in our community have so much to offer and have so many exciting stories to tell. They just want to share them with you.

I always leave my visit feeling so much better. It takes me back in time to childhood when life was simpler. It also takes my mind off daily stressors.

Volunteering Changes Both Lives

For Maria, having a special friend to enjoy spending time with and share her joys has given her a new passion and something to look forward to every week.

Maria’s masterclass in making quilts and homemade gnocchi has been inspirational for Belinda.

Spending time together in the kitchen also brings back special family memories for Belinda while providing a delicious meal to enjoy together, filled with conversation and laughter.

Maria’s advice for someone considering volunteering

Just do it! Make time. You won’t regret it. It is so rewarding and joyful to spend time with someone who really appreciates that you’ve taken the time to see them.

If Belinda and Maria’s story has inspired you and you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact our ACVVS team on 07 3624 6100 or register your details to become a volunteer with Co.As.It. Community Services.