ANY parent knows a new baby is a gift, but it’s one that can turn your life upside down.
Multiply that by three and you begin to understand the joy and trepidation felt by Sunshine’s Rachel and Joe Vella on discovering triplets were on their way.
“Having three infants at the same age has been very hard, especially since we already have another young son,” Ms Vella says.
Luckily help was at hand, thanks to Baptcare Home-Start volunteer Jenny Vesti.
“Jenny has been like a surrogate aunty to the kids and has watched them grow up,” Ms Vella says.
“It’s nice to have her company. She’s really part of our family.”
For 10 years Ms Vesti has made a real difference in the lives of young Sunshine families, growing especially fond of the young Vella family.
Every week, she provides a few hours of respite for Ms Vella to catch up with household tasks. The pair have forged a strong friendship.
“It’s nice to have someone to talk to and we love to chat about bargains. For people in the community who want to make a difference, they should consider becoming a Home-Start volunteer because it has really benefited our family,” Ms Vella says.
The program has helped more than 100 families since it started, including newly arrived migrants, mothers battling postnatal depression, victims of domestic violence and single parents.
Ms Vesti says she has volunteered for so long because she adores children and helping out at a time her assistance can really be appreciated.
“I have been a volunteer for the past 30 years and have used my skills to support my community in various ways,” she says.
“I get a lot of happiness as a Baptcare volunteer because I feel like I’m making a difference.”
Baptcare chief executive Jeff Davey says Ms Vesti is a wonderful example of how someone can make a positive difference to the lives of others.
“Her commitment to Baptcare, especially to families in her community, is tremendous and we are grateful for her tireless efforts over the many years,” he said.
Baptcare is searching for new volunteers to support young families in need.
Details: 93733800 or baptcare.org.au
