Mackay Hospital Foundation Introduces New Volunteer Sponsorship

Volunteers are vital for not-for-profit charities, including the Mackay Hospital Foundation (MHF), where 100 volunteers serve eight hospitals in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday Regions.

Securing a sponsor, like Community Bank Sarina from Bendigo Bank, is crucial to supporting their efforts and maintaining their invaluable services.

Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May said their sponsorship of the MHF volunteers aligned with the Bank’s “profit for purpose” business model.

“Supporting community health and wellbeing is one of our primary objectives, with the view to creating stronger, more resilient communities,” Ms May said.

MHF General Manager Kristi Algate welcomed Community Bank Sarina as their volunteer sponsor and said “we’re very proud to feature their logo on our Mackay Hospital Foundation volunteer uniforms.”

Volunteering involves many responsibilities, such as running the hospital gift shop, staffing the information desk at the hospital entrance, organising activities and offering support in the Children and Adolescent Unit for patients, parents, and siblings.

Additionally, volunteers drive the patient transfer bus, facilitate library and convenience trolleys throughout the hospital, aid in diverse tasks in the Specialist Outpatient Department, operate the patient transfer buggy from the carpark to the hospital, engage in a companionship program and provide assistance for patient comfort in oncology and beyond.

We spoke with one of Mackay’s very own volunteers from the children’s unit to get her perspective on the role. Linda passionately said “I just love making the kids happy and getting out the lego blocks and things like that.

“I’ve been working at the base for a few years now and I thoroughly enjoy the activity packs and just overall making the children happy.”

Co-ordinator of the Volunteers, LaVerne White has been involved for just over thirty-five years and says she “loves helping people” and that “there are always positions available for more volunteers.”

Community Bank Sarina Manager Charmaine Matsen will be one of the banking team available for volunteers, hospital staff and visitors alike, with regular hospital visits to discuss lifestyle goals and banking needs.

“With any sponsorship we agree to, the financial investment is just the beginning, for us; it’s about building relationships and working together for mutual benefit,” Ms Matsen said.

“We believe that supporting something worthwhile involves us being on the ground – which is why we’ll be in regular attendance at the various hospital locations for personalised service and advice.”

Next time you visit any of the eight public hospitals within the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions, look for one of the cheerful volunteers to help you find your way, serve you in the gift shop or offer you a cup of tea in the wards. You’ll recognise them in their Community Bank Sarina-branded polo shirts. Anyone wishing to become a Mackay Hospital Foundation volunteer should contact Jackie Meldrum on 4885 5915.

‍

Volunteers were recognised for their unwavering effort put into health care over the years and were gifted a bag of goodies by councillor Karen May. Photo Credit: Hannah McNamara

‍