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National Volunteer Week
18 May 2020
Today is the start of National Volunteer Week. The week is an annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers. Sheilah, a former student from , Balwyn, volunteers with TeleFriend, a service to support isolated and vulnerable people, as well as connecting with current students at her former school.
There’s never been a more important time to stay connected and to look out for each other. Sheilah Blanchfield is doing her bit on both fronts in her role as a TeleFriend volunteer with Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH).
TeleFriend is a free VMCH service which sees trained volunteers make weekly calls to more vulnerable or socially isolated people who access VMCH services. ‘A lot of people have trouble with technology so in today’s world they’re really left behind. TeleFriend is a simple, old-fashioned and easy way of communicating with someone.’
VMCH is an organisation close to Sheilah’s heart. Blind since birth, Sheilah was a student at our specialist school , Balwyn, in the 50s. She still likes to visit the school and students from time to time, and is a regular donor to VMCH too.
Sheilah encouraged others to volunteer if they could. ‘If you can just do something for somebody else, it’s enough. It’s a nice feeling and you can make some great friends.’
If you are interested in volunteering with VMCH, call 1800 036 377 or visit: .