HOW could I ever survive without my creature comforts?
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My pets. My family. My friends. My? The list is interminable.
All rhetorical questions that rarely find answers, and yet are most commonly floating on the breeze.
But I have another question that does need an answer.
How could our society survive without its volunteers?
This is Volunteers Week. It’s been nominated to recognise the men and women, young and old, who give of their time, energy and talents to enhance the lives of others who they may not even know personally.
I believe that our Australian society would certainly grind to a halt unless it was supported in this way.
Volunteers are not there for the money - there isn’t any financial reward. They’re not there for the limelight or the kudos of shining in the public eye - they operate without public visibility.
Yes, we have professional search and rescue personnel, but they are ably and willingly supported by volunteers.
Just take a look at the health system.
United hospital auxiliaries have been contributing time, talent and service in practically every hospital in the state for countless years.
Some lucky ones like us have several other voluntary groups that care for, and raise money to support the patients in the hospital.
There are volunteers who provide transport for disabled or disadvantaged clientele, knitting groups, and others that make a friendly phone call each morning to check on the person’s welfare.
Everybody would be aware of the voluntary efforts that made Western Care Lodge and Ronald McDonald House a dream come true.
So the next time we are tempted to ask - what would I do without my? Maybe we could answer by joining one of the voluntary groups and contributing time, talent and energy where it is needed.
Who knows what surprises might spring from that.
In the words of the old war song: “Bless ‘em all, the long and the short and the tall.” Well done vollies.