Celebrating the power of volunteering

Volunteers are the heart of most non-profit organisations. VMCH is no different.

May 18-24 is National Volunteer Week, a time to honour volunteers for their generosity, time and care. Catholic aged and disability services organisation VMCH looks forward to celebrating its 440 volunteers, including new recruit, Kitty Vivekananda.

Kitty decided to start volunteering after wrapping up her academic career as a registered psychologist at Monash University. There, she researched end-of-life care and published six academic papers on bereavement photography.

“I have been easing into retirement over the last three years and trying different volunteer roles I might enjoy. I have mostly enjoyed the volunteer photography work I am doing in palliative care,” Kitty says.

As part of Kitty’s role, she works closely with the VMCH pastoral care team, capturing different activities or projects. One recent initiative is The Beauty Project – which helps aged care residents reconnect with what bring them comfort and meaning in everyday life.

“In our society we frequently value youth and celebrity glamour and miss the ‘slow beauty’ that emerges when we are no longer useful, important or have social status,” Kitty says.

“As a photographer, you have to be patient to allow slow beauty to emerge from people. Sometimes you get to capture beauty that is quite special, a special light that is sacred that emanates from within people.”

Kitty advises anyone thinking about volunteering to “consider your gifts and talents and what sparks your joy and enthusiasm”. “For me, photography in a caring community gives me great joy and happiness.”

Another volunteer who takes great pride in her work is Jan Bird. She has been volunteering at VMCH’s Heathmont Op Shop for the past five years. She became familiar with the shop as a customer, visiting regularly to purchase props and costumes for her theatre company.

Now on the other side of the register, Jan volunteers her time serving customers, decorating shop windows, crafting, and sorting stock.

“What I enjoy most is talking to and helping the people who come into the shop and being part of a team,” Jan says.
This year in particular is significant for Jan, after she was nominated for a 2026 Inspire Inclusion award. The awards, part of VMCH’s International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations, acknowledge people who champion women’s inclusion and live out our values of Love, Joy, Hospitality and Courage.

“I felt very honoured that someone had nominated me and that I had that effect on people. I take great pride in volunteering and love working at the Heathmont site, and love all the girls that I work with,” she says.

VMCH will pay tribute to its volunteers at an annual Volunteer’s Celebration and Service Recognition Luncheon on 18 May, celebrating 33 people who have served five to 30 years with the organisation.

Bron Summers, VMCH Senior Manager Volunteer Engagement, says this year is extra special, given 2026 is also International Year of the Volunteer.

“I’m inspired by the passion and pride volunteers like Kitty and Jan bring to our organisation,” Bron says.

“They show genuine care in everything they do, sharing their warmth and dedication as part of VMCH’s extended workforce and community. We thank them, and all of our volunteers, words can’t express how grateful we are for them every day.”

If you are interested in volunteering with VMCH, call 1800 036 377 or email volunteers@vmch.com.au