Vision Australia, the nation's leading blindness and low vision service provider, relies on the support of more than 1000 volunteers in Kooyong to be able to provide essential services free-of-charge to people who are blind or have low vision.
Jeanine Nasr has been volunteering for over 23 years. Jeanine has been involved in the volunteering program in different areas including her weekly commitment to the Telelink Program where she facilitates two Italian speaking groups and a crosswords group.
The Telelink Program provides regular ongoing group programs offering social, peer support, special interest and recreation activities to people who are socially isolated or live some distance from a Vision Australia centre. Groups include book discussion, current affairs, history, sport and specific group programs for clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The program is a group-style conference call connection made by a volunteer who facilitates the discussion and or delivers the subject matter via telephone - all from the comfort of their own home.
"I receive personal satisfaction from being able to help many people who are blind or have low vision," Jeanine said. "I am fortunate enough to be able to help others where I can. It's such positive work where you can support one another and discuss things and feel better afterwards. And with Telelink you can do all this from home, it's that easy," she said.
"People at Vision Australia are so dedicated to providing these valuable services to our community and it just makes me want to help even more," Jeanine said.
'Every One Counts' is the theme for this year's National Volunteer Week which runs from May 14-20.
During this week Vision Australia will honour the hard work and dedication of volunteers like Jeanine Nasr from the Telelink Program at a special morning tea. As part of the celebration, volunteers will be presented with badges to recognise their years of service.
"I don't know where we would be without the fantastic support and dedication of our volunteers. They give freely of their time and draw upon a wide variety of skills, experience and knowledge in helping Vision Australia deliver services to our clients. Our staff; supported by our volunteers, make up a great team" said Jim Luscombe, Manager - Independent Living Services Kooyong.
EVENT: National Volunteers Week morning tea
DATE: Wednesday 23rd May 2012
TIME: 10:30am
VENUE: In the Plaza, 454 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong
