Mater celebrates International Volunteers Day 2015

International Volunteers Day, celebrated on 5 December, is an opportunity to celebrate and thank all volunteers for their ongoing commitment and contribution to their communities.

Each week at Mater, more than 734 volunteer shifts, across 50 different roles, are filled by our dedicated volunteers. Mater volunteers donate 8000 hours per month to provide support for both patients and staff.

Mater volunteer Judith Cush has been volunteering at Mater for two and a half years, providing concierge support at Mater Mothers’ Hospitals.

Judith assists families when they leave for home with their newborn baby, or sometimes multiple babies.

“My role is to help families when they leave Mater Mothers with their new baby. I am happy when I see the new dads embracing their big moment―putting their new baby into the car to go home. We try to be there and help them not to feel too anxious,” Judith said.

Mater Mothers concierge volunteers play a special role at the hospitals and often take the first photo of the new family together.

“Whether it’s their first baby or the seventh, we help the families get to the car, take their photograph and wave goodbye,” Judith said.

“It’s just such a fantastic, lovely role―sharing the joy with the families is wonderful.”

Find out more about Mater volunteers.