A group of high school students recently put aside their school holiday time to help make a difference volunteering at MercyCare’s Early Learning Centre in Wembley.
More than 50 Mercedes College and Santa Maria College students gave up their school holidays to volunteer with MercyCare, as part of the not-for-profit organisation’s popular MercyCare Schools Program.
MercyCare is shining a light on the students’ selfless volunteer work ahead of Student Volunteer Week, which is celebrated nationally from 3 to 9 August.
The theme of Student Volunteer Week for 2015 is Challenge, change and celebrate, with the aim to help students realise not only how much of a difference they can make, but changing the way they volunteer, to be more creative and genuine in the way they can help and move others.
MercyCare Schools Liaison and Volunteers Officer, Louise Mason, said 144 students have volunteered more than 1,600 hours with MercyCare so far this year, spending time in a variety of roles in the organisation’s Early Learning Centres, respite care and day centres for seniors.
“We’ve had a hugely positive response from schools since we launched the MercyCare Schools Program about 12 months ago,” she said.
“It’s a mutually beneficial program – the elderly residents and young children that the students spend time with really love it. The students are vibrant and enthusiastic, always willing to assist staff and clients; but also, from the students’ perspective, the feedback we’ve had is fantastic.
“Volunteering helps introduce the students to new experiences outside their own environment, and they get to enjoy the rewards of knowing they’ve made a difference in other people’s lives.”
The students take part in a variety of activities with children and seniors at MercyCare’s Early Learning Centres and aged care services.
“In aged care and the day centres, the students visit residents for a chat, or to help them use their iPads; they assist with decoration-making for events, daily activities such as bingo, concerts and exercise sessions, and help with reading the paper, doing crafts and crossword puzzles,” Louise said.
“At the Early Learning Centres, the students play with the children and help at meal time, they take part in art activities, sing and help supervise in the playground.”
MercyCare Chief Executive Officer, Chris Hall, said the MercyCare Schools Program helps high school students stay connected with the community to help those most in need.
“The aim of our MercyCare Schools Program is to help introduce high school students to volunteering,” he said.
“Sometimes, young people might perceive volunteering to be a challenge, but the MercyCare Schools Program helps to break down those barriers and show students how enjoyable and personally rewarding it can be when you’re having a positive impact on your community.”
MercyCare is a leading Catholic provider of aged care, family, health and community services. MercyCare employs over 700 staff and 150 volunteers, delivering services from more than 30 locations throughout Western Australia.