Back row: Karen McClure, Libby Scheinpflug Volunteer Services Manager, Saskia Stegman and Vicky Mead, Volunteer Services staff Front row: David and Carol Malcolm

Australia Day awards bestowed on three Spiritus volunteers highlight the valuable contribution that volunteers make to the community as well as the many personal benefits enjoyed by those who become volunteers.

Karen McClure and husband and wife team, Carol and David Malcolm, received Certificates of Appreciation at the awards ceremony from the Federal Member for Griffith, Kevin Rudd.

Manager of Spiritus Volunteer Services, Libby Scheinpflug, said the volunteers deserved their awards and encouraged people to give back to the community through volunteering.

“It is wonderful to see people who give so generously of their time being recognised publically. They have worked with good humour and grace and have made wonderful contributions to Spiritus,” she said.

All three have worked as volunteers in the administrative area. Karen has assisted Spiritus every week for five years with data entry, assembling information packs, collating brochures and providing support to the Volunteers team.

The Malcolms, both confined to wheelchairs, have worked for their own home for thirty years helping with mail-outs, collating printed material and preparing Spiritus’ quarterly volunteers’ newsletters.

Spiritus volunteers work in many areas - driving clients to social outings and assisting client activities such as research projects, book reading in aged care homes and tutoring refugee children.

“Through the assistance of people like Karen, Carol and David, we are able to provide excellent, caring service. There are people in the community who have gifts they wish to share – some for a couple of hours each week, some for longer. There are many ways to contribute and there’s always someone who needs a helping hand,” Ms Scheinplflug

Spiritus provides caring services throughout Queensland and supports people who have health challenges, mental health issues, are new to this country or who are isolated due to becoming increasingly less mobile.

“A visit from a cheerful person is a great blessing to someone who has no relatives close by or who is unable to engage with neighbours and friends,” Ms Scheinplflug.

Spiritus Volunteer Services is happy to hear from people seeking opportunities to contribute to the well-being of Spiritus clients. Training and support is provided to all volunteers.

 “Not everyone receives Australia Day Awards like Karen, Carol and David,” Ms Scheinplflug said “but all our volunteers understand what rewarding work they are doing.”

For those interested in volunteering opportunities with Spiritus, please email volunteerservices@spiritus.org.au or telephone 3421 2800.