Rosemary Parfrey, 90, is being celebrated for her remarkable 60-year volunteer journey with Victorian aged and disability organisation VMCH. The organisation is preparing to honour 36 volunteers at its annual Volunteers’ Celebration and Service Recognition event on 22 May. The event coincides with National Volunteer Week (May 19-25), which this year highlights the theme ‘Connecting Communities.’
Rosemary’s connection with VMCH began in 1965 when she volunteered to help serve Christmas lunch at St Catherine’s aged care in Balwyn. Since then, she has worn many hats, from reading at Sunday Mass and pampering residents with manicures to spending quality time with those who had no family to visit them. “I love getting to know residents on a deeper level; their past lives and their families,” she said.
A mother of seven, Rosemary has made volunteering a family affair, with all her children having worked or volunteered at St Catherine’s. Her daughter Mary says, “Mum is the best example of a good 90 years. I feel confident she will be volunteering when she is 100.”
These days, Rosemary continues to serve through VMCH’s TeleFriend program, making weekly calls to affordable homes residents at risk of social isolation.
Despite her age, Rosemary remains active, tending to her garden, riding her bike, and fundraising for The Smith Family, where she has volunteered for 37 years. VMCH Senior Manager of Volunteer Engagement Bron Summers praised Rosemary’s dedication, sharing, “Rosemary has enriched the lives of so many residents in our community. We thank her sincerely for her compassionate spirit.”
This National Volunteer Week, Rosemary encourages others to give volunteering a try. “Jump in! Your life will be full of beautiful experiences,” she said.
Ahead of National Volunteer Week, Inside Ageing welcomes submissions to do with the invaluable work being done in the community by volunteers. Email the news desk: news@insideageing.com.au
