We're fortunate to have more than 300 incredible volunteers – like Lesley Rae – who go above and beyond at Auckland City Hospital. Lesley doesn't just have one volunteering role; she has three! In each role, Lesley brightens our patients' days and supports their families. Read Lesley's inspiring story in her own words.
Hello, my name is Lesley, and I am a volunteer at Auckland City Hospital.
I’m retired and I feel it’s important to have a focus, and volunteering certainly does that, and it helps with keeping fit!
I have a variety of volunteer roles for Auckland City Hospital; I'm on the tea trolley at Greenlane Clinical Centre, making a free cuppa for people waiting for appointments, and for their families and supporters. The “trolley dollies” receive many appreciative comments, often with a cheeky, "got a whiskey or a biscuit?". Sorry, you’ll have to come back at Christmas for a biscuit, and you might be lucky and get a chocolate one! Our regulars see us coming, and they come to meet us.
I'm also on the Greenlane Clinical Centre information desk. And, if I had to choose, this would be my favourite role. People can come in stressed – “I’m lost; I’ve lost Mum; my husband is parking – he’s tall with grey hair – please tell him Level 6; the parking machine isn't working – how do I pay?” This role keeps you on your toes – "Sorry, I’m not sure where you should be; let’s look at the appointment on your phone if that’s OK; oh, your appointment is at Auckland Hospital, not Greenlane," is a relatively common one.
As a volunteer, you feel that hopefully you have brightened someone’s day (as they often brighten yours), and made their day a little easier.
There are many memorable moments volunteering – the appreciative smiles for that cuppa, a patient for whom a short conversation that's not medical means a lot, or coming across someone lost and seeing their relief when you direct them.
I also coordinate the Knitting Club, gifting knee blankets to Auckland City Hospital patients. These are made mainly by dedicated knitting "groupies" from Epsom Village, and we recently had a celebratory afternoon tea for the 100th blanket. We have help from family, friends, and hospital volunteers; and we know that many older people really appreciate their knee blanket, for use in the hospital and to take home.
The Auckland Hospital Foundation helps out with funding via a JustGiving page – The Blanket Project – asking for $25 to cover the cost of wool for a blanket.
Volunteering has many facets – they're all enjoyable!
Volunteers make a difference every day. Learn how you can get involved here.
You can help our hospital help you.
Your support will help Auckland City Hospital’s teams do even more for patients and whānau in their care, beyond what government funding can provide.
