Unsung Heroes: Veteran helper praised as 'true volunteer'

Zita Kay says it is so sad to see children with terminal illnesses. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Volunteering at a hospice has been one of the most fulfilling duties Zita Kay says she has had the pleasure of doing.

The grandmother of four has been a helper at the West Auckland Hospice, in Te Atatu, for 21 years.

Baking various treats for patients and their families, fronting up at the office reception, helping at fundraising events and taking donation boxes to local businesses are some of the ways Mrs Kay has helped the hospice.

She says doing these "mundane things" is something many people often take for granted.

"Anyone can do it - it all helps - and the nurses are very grateful," Mrs Kay said.

The 74-year-old - who lives in Hobsonville in West Auckland - was introduced to volunteering at the hospice when a friend, who's father had cancer, noted the lack of a hospice in West Auckland.

"She was looking for a place where terminally ill people could go. But there wasn't one locally. She started it in her home and asked me to help answer the phones - that's how I became involved."

After the local council was lobbied, land for a new hospice was granted and the West Auckland Hospice was soon built, with Mrs Kay still a keen volunteer.

She said seeing the number of people who had come through the hospice, as well as the compassion shown by nursing staff, had acted as a form of motivation to do the work that she does.

"It's just surprising the number of people who have terminal illness - children as well. It's so sad," Mrs Kay said.

"It's good to do something voluntary. My mother died - she had cancer.

"You just put back into the community because you never know when you might need help yourself, or a member of your family."

The mother of three also volunteers in a local Probus club with her husband Gordon, planning social events and outings for retired people in the local West Auckland area.

Mrs Kay has been a member of the League of Mothers group for many years, and is now the national president.

She was nominated as an unsung hero by staff at the West Auckland Hospice.

Chief executive Barbara Williams said Mrs Kay was a much-loved volunteer at the hospice.

"Zita epitomises the true volunteer - instinctively giving her all on a regular basis to serve her community without expectation of any reward,"

"Such volunteers are the backbone of our communities and without Zita's unreserved commitment to hospice over the past 21 years, we would not be who we are today."