MOUNT Gambier resident Betsy Bowden is accustomed to putting on her unmistakable Red Cross uniform to help those accessing one of the Limestone Coast branch’s many support services.
That bold red shirt will take on added meaning this week as National Volunteer Week is celebrated, coinciding with the Colour Your Community Red campaign encouraging a visual display of thanks to community volunteers.
Residents, organisations and businesses are asked to display the colour red in different ways until May 24 in honour of this year’s theme, Changing Communities, Changing Lives.
It is a mantra which Ms Bowden continues to live by as an active volunteer for Red Cross Limestone Coast, Sunset Community Kitchen and Meals on Wheels.
“When I retired, it was always my aim to start volunteering,” she said.
“You really feel like you are part of the community and although it does not seem like we do much, we do all together and we are helping lots of people.
“I always think I get more out of it than what I put in and I just love it.”
Volunteering with Red Cross’ Telecross and REDI services, Ms Bowden said her six years of involvement helped her realise the important role volunteers play in people’s lives.
“For some, volunteers are the only people they talk to during the day,” she said.
“We call every morning of the year, even on Christmas Day and you can talk to somebody who may not hear from anybody else expect you.
“Volunteers can be the one person who brings people that little bit of happiness.”
Ms Bowden’s desire to volunteer grew after witnessing the selfless work Meals on Wheels volunteers provided first-hand for her parents.
“I just love the warm and fuzzy feeling when you can leave for the day and know you have really helped somebody,” she said.
“You get hooked on it somehow and people just stay, they must miss it when they stop.”
With COVID-19 increasing the reliance on support services for some, Ms Bowden revealed she had fielded many phone calls from concerned individuals in recent weeks.
“They just want to talk about what is worrying them, what they need to do and if they are doing it right,” she said.
“The anxiety is in the community and if volunteers can alleviate then it is fantastic.”
Ms Bowden said National Volunteer Week was a fantastic cause which highlighted the importance of volunteers in all communities.
“I think a lot of people in the area would not realise what goes on, especially the younger ones,” she said.
“We need to spread the word more and raise awareness of what we do because it is huge.
“We always need more volunteers and we are aging, so I would encourage anyone out there to volunteer if they are interested.”
