The gift of time

The 8th day of Christmas

Sometimes the most valuable gift you can give is your time. For many people Christmas is the loneliest time of year, but it doesn’t have to be. The summer hiatus provides the perfect opportunity to spend time with someone in need of company. This might be somebody you know – a grandparent, a neighbour, a friend who has been having a tough time. Alternatively, aged care providers need people to call bingo nights, run craft sessions, read to residents and run singalongs. One care centre in Wyoming, NSW, is seeking a nail artist to brighten its residents’ days. Some of the larger providers have formalised processes where you can go online to register or you can call your local nursing home and inquire directly.

Volunteer websites carry listings from organisations like Anglicare and MS Australia seeking people to share a chat and a cup of tea with. Visit govolunteer.com.au for a list of positions all over Australia.