NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK ADVERTISING FEATURE Weekends are for saving lives
FOR some, weekends are for relaxing, catching up on sleep, and taking it easy. For volunteers at St John NT, weekends are for saving lives.
St John NT volunteers are dedicated to providing event health services and pre-hospital emergency services across the Northern Territory. In fact, in 2018/19 St John NT volunteers attended nearly 900 events and cared for more than 1600 people.
Each volunteer, whether performing lifesaving first aid or providing crucial administrative support, has an undeniable passion for helping people in times of sickness, distress, suffering, or danger.
Jaime Rowley, who has volunteered with the charity organisation since 2008, is one of the volunteers who lives and breathes the mission of St John NT. Aside from providing crucial first aid at Alice Springs’ most exciting events, Jaime also dedicates her spare time to teaching these skills to younger volunteers.
“It is extremely rewarding watching and assisting the Cadets grow,” Jaime shared. “They are so keen to learn and to make a difference.”
Other volunteers, such as Maria Haralambis, joined St John NT in order to learn vital first aid skills. As a mother, Maria was worried about her lack of knowledge in this area. She decided not to wait for an emergency to present itself and signed up as a volunteer with St John NT.
Soon after joining the Casuarina Division, Maria invited her sister and son to sign up as well.
“Once I began volunteering, I realised how amazing it was to be a part of a team that saves lives and delivers care to people,” Maria expressed. “The volunteers make a difference in people’s lives and help keep our community safe.”
Many of St John NT volunteers discovered their passion for healthcare while volunteering. St John NT volunteer Brian Ch’ng has not only devoted his spare time to saving lives, but his professional life as well. From working as a registered nurse, to a paramedic, and now a doctor, Brian is committed to helping people when they need it most.
“The skills I’ve learned have made a large impact on my life,” Brian stated. “I once resuscitated a football fan outside of the Melbourne Cricket Ground on AFL Grand Final Day. This man was able to walk away from hospital and live his life because of volunteers.”
Volunteers at St John NT make a powerful difference in their communities and in the lives of others, according to CEO Judith Barker.
“As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, St John NT would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all volunteers for the dedication they show to the wellbeing of Territorians. Without our volunteers, St John NT would not be able to continue with its lifesaving mission. Thank you, volunteers – you are the heart of what we do.”