2019 National Volunteers Week Event

 
Acting Executive Director, Women and Newborn Health Service, Dr Jodi Graham said the event was a fantastic opportunity to recognise an exceptional group of people.

“Volunteers at KEMH perform countless tasks that add that extra special touch to a mother and newborn’s journey. They form an invaluable resource, making a significant contribution to the ability of the Hospital to deliver the highest level of service,” she said,

“This annual event is all about recognising the contribution and achievements of this amazing group of volunteers.”

WIRF Volunteer Manager, Paula O’Connell said the tentacles of WIRF’s volunteers continue to reach far and wide throughout the hospital, WIRF and the WA community.

“Our volunteers provide vital services across a range of departments and services including: the hospital’s café / gift shop, op shop, perinatal loss service, social work, physiotherapy, the Centenary and West Wing Clinic and nurseries – adding a human touch to everything we do.”

“Using Volunteering WA’s Benefits Calculator, the contributions of our family of volunteers delivered $716,665 worth of value to the WA community this past year which is just incredible!”

As part of the Lotterywest supported event, volunteers celebrating 5, 10 and 20 years of service awards were recognised.

WIRF Chief Operations Director, Deb Portughes, said the event also provided the chance to reflect on another very important milestone.

"2019 marked the 2nd year of our Aboriginal Volunteer program - the first of its kind in Australia," she said.

"Many Aboriginal women come to King Eddies from regional and very remote areas.  Some can stay for weeks or months at a time, and this can be a lonely, isolating and scary time. The goal is that Aboriginal patients at our hospital will feel more supported in a culturally appropriate way."

This year marks the 30th anniversary of National Volunteer Week and the national campaign to promote the amazing contributions of our country of dedicated volunteers. The theme for National Volunteers Week 2019 is ‘Making a World of Difference’.

In April of this year, KEMH and WIRF celebrated another major milestone – the 20th birthday of the WIRF Café. Since opening, proceeds from the WIRF Café/Gift Shop have generated a staggering $5 million in profits which have directly supported the Foundation’s many research programs.

Image from left: Janice Braekevelt, Jill Berecry, Diane Hoffman, Maria Crawford, Deborah Attard Portughes, Raie Bradshaw, Dr Jodi Graham, Jill Hunt and Norma Garbin.