Jewish Care
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The hardware store proprietor retired in 1998, aged 85. He has volunteered at Jewish Care's Lady Sarah Cohen House for the past 11 years
● Why Jewish Care?
I saw an article in the JC from Jewish Care appealing for volunteers and although I had no experience of volunteer work in a residential home I decided to give it a trial and after an interview I was allocated to Lady Sarah Cohen House where with the support of my wife Eunice, who does the driving, I have happily served for the past 11 years.
● What does your current volunteering role involve?
On Tuesday I am one
of a team of three volunteers who endeavour to capture the interest of residents in a variety of ways: reading extracts from the daily papers, quizzes, poetry – in fact anything which would stimulate interest and lead to involvement in discussion. On Fridays I am in charge of the gift shop.
● What do you most enjoy about being a volunteer?
Contributing towards the happiness of those residents who are away from their home and loved ones, and befriending those who are deprived of visitors.
● What is your most memorable volunteering moment?
In 2004 I was honoured with a surprise 90th birthday party at Lady Sarah Cohen House which was attended by everybody including my wife and daughter and which left me virtually speechless! I can't remember how I responded to the kind things said about me but my wife assures me they were appropriate!