Volunteer program makes firm friends

Ray White and Kevin Woolfe are great mates who’ve been encouraging each other to be active and healthy by getting outside and going for a walk together.

Orange City Council’s Community Services Committee Chair Ron Gander said the men were introduced to each other as part of Council’s Choice at Home, Friendly Visitor Program.

“The Friendly Visitors Program pairs volunteers and clients based on mutual interests and hobbies and the pair then spend time enjoying each other’s company,” Cr Gander said.

“It means clients can rely on a regular visitor who pops in to see how they’re getting on and it’s a great social outlet”.

Choices at Home client Kevin Woolfe said he eagerly awaits visits from Mr White.

“I enjoy my discussions with Ray, he is easy to get along with and talk to. We go out for lunch sometimes and we have the same interests,” Mr Woolfe said.

The home visits usually last about an hour and occur once a week or fortnightly.

Mr White, who is a volunteer, said he enjoys spending time with Mr Woolfe because they have a lot in common and it means he also gets out of the house, spends time with his new friend and they solve the world’s problems together.

Mr Woolfe used to be an avid walker but after a heart attack he was advised not to go walking on his own.

His pairing with Mr White means he doesn’t miss out on his regular exercise.

“I can go out of my home and he can take care of me as I’m not supposed to be walking by myself,” Mr Woolfe said.

Choices at home is calling on people to sign up as volunteers for the Friendly Visitor program as well as the Community Visitor program.

The Community Visitor program gives people an opportunity to share their skills and knowledge by running workshops for clients in aged care facilities.

Cr Gander said becoming a volunteer for the visitor programs was a win for everyone.

“You feel good because you’re giving back to the community by volunteering, but it isn’t very strenuous and you get to make friends,” Cr Gander said.

“It’s the best type of volunteering if you ask me.

“So if you have a hobby, interest to demonstrate or like to chat, you will be providing quality life and companionship to others. “

Volunteers will need to have a criminal record check and complete the Orange City Council corporate induction.

For information about the Friendly Visiting Program or the Community Visitor Scheme, please contact Claudette on 6393 8966 or email candrie@orange.nsw.gov.au.

FRIENDS: Ray Wright and Kevin Woolfe have become good friends after meeting each other through the Choices At Home Friendly Visitor program.