Rand Aid’s stars

Ron Smith Care Centre and Elphin Lodge thanked community members for being the shining stars they are at a champagne brunch volunteer appreciation event on Friday, November 27.

About 40 volunteers attended the event, themed ‘Stars’. Prior to the breakfast, care centre residents made glittery stars in a range of colours as an occupational therapy activity, which were then used to decorate the clubhouse. “We had stars everywhere – on the tables, on the windows and even on the floor, as a welcome pathway for the volunteers.  The residents also made star-shaped biscuits especially for the volunteers, to thank them for all they do with and for them,” says Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s Manager: Recreational Programmes.

Those people who give of their time so generously on a regular basis at the Rand Aid-run care centre and retirement village were presented with certificates with personalised messages and a polished nickel star keychain engraved with the Rand Aid logo and the word ‘STAR’. 

“It was good to have the volunteers all together in one place at one time – something that occurs only occasionally. This event gave them the opportunity to socialise, meet other volunteers, network and discuss their volunteer activities. Some volunteers said that the morning made them feel more united,” says Debbie, and volunteer Jen Cruickshank commented, “You made us all feel like stars and to word everyone’s award certificate so personally and meaningfully was really special.”

 Sheryl Emmett, Dara Migliore, Raffi Migliore, and Madge Ronald.

Margaret O’Donoghue, Judy Dost, Lorna Turner, Judy Lurie and Debbie Christen.