As they sit together, enjoying the sandwiches Jill prepared at home and sipping the coffee Alan brewed at the centre, it’s clear that volunteering isn’t just something they do … it’s part of who they are.
The pair, husband and wife, have been volunteering at Uniting’s Emergency Relief service in Broadmeadows for a combined 45 years.
Jill buys groceries, organises food relief parcels and prepares overnight bags for clients while Alan is the team’s “muscle man”, stacking pantry shelves and ensuring everything is organised and easy to grab when needed.
Long before he officially became a volunteer, Alan had already made his mark, offering his time, skill, and good humour restoring office furniture. Much of which is still in use today.
“Uniting is a very good organisation, it’s a good place to volunteer,” says Alan.
“It provides extremely good support to communities. It’s very inclusive. They have some very good programs.”
For Jill and Alan, both in their mid-80s, volunteering has become even more important as they grow older. A way to stay active, maintain social connections, and continue contributing to their community in meaningful ways.
“It makes you feel good, it gets you out of the house. It gets you meeting new people and broadens your outlook,” says Alan.
“We’re in a multicultural community and that’s extremely important, particularly in this day and age. We really need to be inclusive. We need to be able to meet the needs of all Australians, all people.”
Over the years, Jill and Alan have built strong connections with the many students who complete placement at the centre. Often coming from international backgrounds, these students find not only a supportive colleague but sometimes even someone to share their love of piano accordion with.
Jill and Alan’s long history at the service has made them invaluable sources of knowledge, support and compassion.
“Jill and Alan play a pivotal role within our team,” says Emergency Relief Coordinator at Uniting Broadmeadows, Michelle.
“Our program would not be what it is today without their ongoing support.”
Uniting’s Volunteer Lead, Marijke, says the pair always look for ways to help the service beyond their usual volunteer hours. Be that picking up extra items for food relief, transporting donations between Uniting services and even dropping off much needed bedding for rough sleepers whilst on holidays.
“Both Jill and Alan come to volunteering with a lifelong sense of community, service and compassion,” says Marijke.
“Volunteering is key to enabling everyone in our communities to feel valued and to belong. Volunteers are crucial capacity builders in our mission to reduce the impact of poverty, trauma and disadvantage.”
Years of volunteering with Uniting services and through their local Uniting church have shown the pair that volunteering creates lasting relationships that enrich lives and strengthen communities.
When asked if they would recommend volunteering at Uniting to others, Jill and Alan answered with a resounding yes.
“Come and try it. And see if you like it,” says Jill.
“It’s a great way to spend your time. If you’re interested in it, go for it,” adds Alan.
“You’re doing something, you’re achieving something, you’re helping people.
Learn more about volunteering at Uniting.
