National Volunteer Week at MercyCare has kicked off to a great start with music and entertainment from volunteer musician, Cedric Collars who will serenade senior citizens with fortnightly sing-a-longs accompanied by his keyboard from 8 May to 14 May.
For Mr Collars, it is music not laughter that is the ‘best medicine’. Volunteering at MercyCare since December 2015, he entertains seniors at the McAuley Social Centre and Davis House in Wembley.
His dedication has been praised as part of National Volunteer Week and acknowledges the generous contributions of volunteers in Australia.
Mr Collars, a retired aircraft avionics engineer, grew up as part of a musical family and started learning piano when he was a child.
By the time he was a young man he had formed his own band.
Mr Collars said that volunteering his time to play for senior citizens, including many who live with dementia warmed his heart.
“I get so much pleasure by bringing happiness back into the world. It’s a wonderful feeling seeing the life and happiness glowing in their eyes, especially when they know the song and remember the tune. Music really is the best medicine,” he said.
“They don’t like the modern day songs. At Davis House they like a bit of Elvis but at McAuley House they prefer the romantic tunes.
“If they stop clapping their hands and tapping their feet, I know they don’t like that song, so I won’t play it again. The challenge is in making everyone in the room believe that I’m playing the song just for them,” Mr Collars added.
MercyCare’s Respite and Social Centres Administrator, Paula Bignell said Mr Collars’ contribution had provided stimulation and conjured happy memories amongst the seniors through songs from their past.
“It is not an understatement to say that Cedric enriches their lives. He is totally committed to making connections through music. The tender way he communicates with the seniors is a mark of his professionalism,” she said.
MercyCare CEO, Chris Hall, said the 175 MercyCare volunteers who selflessly donated their time to help others were greatly valued.
“National Volunteer Week gives us an opportunity to thank our volunteers who contribute to the social fabric of MercyCare and the many vital programs we offer.
“Their generous contributions, across a range of our services, make very real differences to other people’s lives and can have a positive impact on our community as a whole,” he concluded.