STUDENTS at Keilor Downs College are giving up their spare time to make people’s stay in hospital a little less onerous, perhaps even enjoyable.
The school’s leadership group is volunteering at Sunshine Hospital following the formation in March of a partnership between the school and Western Health.
The group made contact with staff late last year after deciding to stage fund-raising events for the hospital.
Last week, students took part in the hospital’s International Nurses Day celebrations.
They will join in Western Health’s volunteer appreciation event at Club Italia this Thursday as part of National Volunteer Week (May 14-20).
In coming weeks, they will visit patients and help nurses as they start their volunteer training.
The group is also running ongoing fund-raising events.
Year 12 student Anh says they raised $400 by running a sausage sizzle on Harmony Day (March 21).
“We have events planned for each term to raise money for the hospital and we’re looking at running a casual clothes day and an event for Halloween,” says Anh, adding she’s looking forward to helping patients at the hospital.
Fellow student Ngan plans to study nursing after high school and says volunteering at the hospital will give her an insight into the profession.
“I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was really young and I’m excited about working closely with some nurses at the hospital,” Ngan says.
Western Health’s volunteers manager Jo Spence says the partnership gives students a chance to further their education and share stories with patients.
“The school has some wonderful young leaders and when we announced the partnership, about 50 students put their hands up to volunteer at the hospital outside school hours,” she says.
“It’s a big win for us to get young people into the hospital.”
To volunteer, phone Ms Spence on 83451201.
