Volunteering an important role within community

Friends of Gisborne Hospital volunteer Doris Higgins

Doris Higgins has been volunteering at Gisborne Hospital since 2007.

“After moving from the country into town and finishing up work, I was looking for something to do,” said Doris.

Her role as a volunteer involves directing people where to go and taking them to the ward if they need assistance, delivering flowers to patients and just being there to answer general questions.

“My favourite thing about volunteering

is meeting lots of new people, and also catching up with the other volunteers each week.”

When asked what was the hardest part about being a volunteer Doris said, “that would be keeping up with all the changes”.

“We need to make sure we are all over everything, so we can direct people to the right places.”

Doris finds volunteering a great way to give back to her community and would like to encourage anyone looking to volunteer to consider doing so at the hospital.

“If anyone is interested in becoming a  Friends of the Hospital volunteer, come and  see one of the friendly faces at the front desk,” says Doris.

“It’s a great reward, volunteering your time and helping those who need it.”