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Book Club Volunteer Kaye Morrison has been volunteering with the Caringbah Vision Australia Centre in many roles for the past 3 years. The most enjoyable has been the "Book Club."

Have you ever read the most amazing book, one that you cannot put down? Only to discover everyone leaves the room when you enthusiastically discuss the next chapter over dinner.

Well, Caringbah volunteer Kaye Morrison understands our clients need to discuss a great book with a group of equally enthusiastic readers and formed a very motivated book group to meet one Monday per month.

It is the 3rd Monday of the month, the group gathers, the chatter starts, coffee and tea all round and the morning of discussion, interpretation and review begins. Kaye states we are always excited by learning new things about the world around us while sharing the experiences of the characters we have studied.

Kaye finishes this lively group with the decision of "what book next" and promptly organises the next month's read for the group with the assistance of our Library Services. Kaye stated the greatest challenge is to choose titles to encompass everyone's interests.

Our clients have expressed how it has broadened their thoughts and expanded their concepts just to listen to other interpretations of the same read.

Kaye has confided her personal joy at bringing like-minded people together to enjoy one of her passions.... Reading. It's definitely a win-win group.

Rosemary using a magnifier

Fellow volunteer, Rosemary Martin joined the Caringbah team 18 months ago in preparation for her life of retirement. Living locally has been a great advantage for both Rosemary and Vision Australia as Rosemary has the flexibility to assist with extra shifts required (some on short notice) in our reception area.

Extra training with our equipment solutions has given Rosemary the skill to be of great support to our reception staff who considers her their right hand when the doors open and clients tumble through on the busiest Clinic days of the week.

Rosemary states she feels she is contributing by assisting people with low vision and blindness to receive the services and equipment they need to make life a little easier.

Rosemary also commented she is amazed at how welcoming the staff have been and has never come across a group of people in a work environment who interact so seamlessly and warmly with each other or have appreciated her more.

It has been a joy to come to work, perfect for retirement!

Lenore Callender sitting at a desk

Last but certainly not least is Lenore Callender who started volunteering for Vision Australia in 2008 where she responded to an advertisement for the Myer Gift wrap. Lenore had recently retired and was looking for a volunteer role to contribute her time and energy and thought Vision Australia was the perfect choice for her.

After attending the first Volunteer Appreciation Morning Tea, Lenore promptly decided to "sign up for more" and has gone on to be one of our most supportive volunteers.

Since our move to Caringbah Lenore has been incredibly versatile with her volunteering roles and enjoys the training, support and camaraderie of staff and other volunteers, stating the best part for her is whatever role she performs, it is always backed up with training and a clear statement of exactly what the duties are within that role.

As Lenore has a teaching background she has been invaluable when assisting Children Services on day excursions. Another role has been to keep our volunteer rosters in order and supporting reception whenever needed, and more recently supporting our Independent Living Services.

Lenore has enjoyed making new friends and feeling a part of our team. We certainly enjoy working with her and look forward to many years to come.

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Carringbah volunteer Kay Morrison
Summary
Book Club Volunteer Kaye Morrison has been volunteering with the Caringbah Vision Australia Centre in many roles for the past 3 years. The most enjoyable has been the "Book Club."