Trio happy to volunteer

Volunteering has become second nature for three women who give their time to help the elderly at Bethanie House Kwinana each week.

Gloria Smith and Jeanette Watts have each lent a helping hand at the adult day centre for almost 10 years, while newcomer Jess Martin discovered her passion for volunteering earlier this year.

The trio shared their experiences in light of National Volunteer Week.

Mrs Smith, previously a nurse, said she wanted to work in a group atmosphere and found it rewarding to help at the centre.

"We do anything that needs to be done, prepare lunches or morning tea, talk to the people, help with the games," she said. "I also pick the residents up in the bus and drop them home."

She said while volunteering she made friends and grew attachments to the visitors.

Ms Watts said she found herself volunteering at the centre once all her children had left home and her husband was working away.

"I just needed something fulfilling to do, so I thought I would come down and help out," she said. "It is just about being able to help people and enjoy people's company."

Graduating from high school last year, Miss Martin said she was having a gap year and wanted to experience volunteer work.

With beauty qualifications, Miss Martin spends time pampering the elderly residents with manicures, as well as helping out here and there.

"I do a bit of everything and I really enjoy it," she said.

"I definitely think I will continue to do more in the future, 100 per cent, because it is such a good feeling, it is just lovely."

Mrs Smith encouraged others to get involved in volunteering.

Local Government and Community Services Minister Tony Simpson said National Volunteer Week was an opportunity to recognise the enormous contribution unpaid work made to the WA economy, with new research revealing the value was estimated at $39 billion.

"Without volunteers, many, many community organisations would not be the success they are today and our community would be the poorer for it," he said.