Two retirees in their 80s are proving age is no barrier to making a difference in their local community. Peter and Ramesh, both volunteers at the Vinnies shop in Canning Vale, have become familiar faces at the store, dedicating several days each week to supporting the community.
Peter's Story: A Retired Teacher Giving Back
Peter, a retired teacher of more than 30 years, is about to turn 82 but has no plans to slow down. He has been volunteering twice a week for the past four years and said he enjoys the social element of interacting with customers and fellow volunteers.
"It keeps you active and engaged, and you know you're doing something worthwhile," Peter said. "Many years ago, I was involved in the distribution of food for the St Vincent de Paul Society WA in Langford. My wife would take the phone call from Vinnies, then she'd give me the names and addresses to deliver the food to."
Ramesh's Journey: A New Lease on Life
Retired truck driver Ramesh, who recently turned 83, joined the Vinnies team in 2023 and said volunteering at the shop has given him a new lease on life. He often works behind the scenes sorting donations and said he most enjoys the routine and sense of purpose that volunteering provides.
"It keeps your mind and body active, and it feels good to give something back to the community," he said.
The Impact of Vinnies Volunteers
Vinnies shops raise funds for programs such as Emergency Relief, which provides immediate support to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. The role of volunteers is becoming more important as cost-of-living pressures increase demand for the support Vinnies provides.
Over the past year, more than 2,400 West Australians, including 316 aged 80 and above, have volunteered their time across 53 stores, the Vinnies call centre, and at Emergency Relief support locations. Their significant contributions were being particularly recognised this week during National Volunteer Week.
This adds up to about 607,000 volunteer hours, which is expected to grow as Vinnies experiences an unprecedented demand for support.
How to Get Involved
People, particularly retirees and seniors, are encouraged to consider volunteering at their local shop. Volunteering opportunities with Vinnies are flexible, and there are roles available across retail.
"Volunteering is a great way to stay connected, meet new people, and make a real difference in your community," Vinnies WA manager of volunteering May Bowden said. "Many of our volunteers get an immense feeling of joy and purpose in giving back, and that's what drives them to continue coming back each week."
Visit vinnieswa.org.au/volunteer for more information.
