Celebrating the wonderful volunteers at Lake Taupo Hospice

Hilary MorrishAllen from Lake Taupo Hospice

For National Volunteer Week we are showcasing the work done by some of our wonderful volunteers at Lake Taupo Hospice. #NVW2017  #LakeTaupoHospice


Merril (Volunteering for 19 years)


With over 19 years as a volunteer for Lake Taupo Hospice, Merril has seen it grow from humble but determined beginnings created by a small but passionate group of volunteers, to the amazing facility and range of services offered now. “The most gratifying aspect of my involvement” says Merril “is the enormously successful development of our organisation. ‘Hospice at Home’ was and still is the primary aim, and though it was not much favoured by the medical profession in the early days, what we see now is the result of hours of dedication and belief in providing the best of care for our terminally ill and their families and carers.” Having had a hearing loss all of her life, Merril is known for her ‘Merrilisms’ which her family attribute to her ‘being deaf and left handed’ but which bring many moments of joy and laughter to those around her and ensures comraderie and team work among the volunteers. “Like so many families, mine experienced the heart-breaking loss to cancer and I am so grateful for the privilege of sharing brief, precious moments with patients and family in the long ‘goodbye’ days, and to witness the many untold stories of courage, acceptance and gratitude”. Merril uses her previous professional experience as a podiatrist to provide voluntary podiatry services to hospice patients. She is also Lake Taupo Hospice’s longest serving volunteer. “Giving is part of receiving and the need of others is real and endless” she says. And her advice to anyone considering volunteering? “Share your talents – you have no idea the pleasure sharing will bring – and how you will be welcomed, encouraged and valued”.
With over 40 different volunteer opportunities on offer from specialist technical skills through to hobbies and interests there are lots of to contribute. From patient centred roles, through ones which engage the public to those working behind the scenes there is something at Lake Taupo Hospice for everyone. To find out more about becoming a Lake Taupo Hospice volunteer visit www.laketaupohospice.co.nz... call 07 377 4252 or email volunteers@laketaupohospice.co.nz