Big hearts give to Ukraine

When the Russian Army rolled into Ukrainian territories in February, the rest of the world watched in disbelief. Many of us still reeling from the lockdowns and devastation of the pandemic were rocked by the threat of war.

One-on-one with BlueCross Volunteer: Christine Heffernan

BlueCross Darnlee volunteer, Christine Heffernan, is one of our champions who, among other things, runs a reading and poetry session each Tuesday with a group of literarian residents.

What made you decide to become a volunteer?

I was retiring and I had more time on my hands. I wanted to do something that would give back to the community.

I had already been going to Darnlee for four years visiting my old neighbour. I thought if there was a job I could do at Darnlee then that would be ideal, so I offered to help with their flower delivery and it went from there.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

I enjoy spending time with older people. It’s a good fit for me and I am learning a lot about poetry as well as making friends with these lovely older people.

Each week I plan the poems and books around themes. I try and make sure that the theme is relatable and inclusive, so I spend a lot of time researching how to present it to maximise participation and engagement.

After the first session I realised that this was a group not to be underestimated. I knew I had to keep raising the bar as there are some sharp residents in our crew.

One day after listening to a poet reciting his poems, I asked the group who could recite a poem off the top of their heads and almost half the group were keen to do so.

Then I tried to recite a poem ‘The Quality of Mercy’ from The Merchant of Venice and I couldn’t finish it, and then Ina finished it for me – I thought she wasn’t listening, but she finished it.

Then I tried to recall the Charge of the Light Brigade, by Tennyson and another resident Ken finished the poem when I got stuck.

Another session we were listening to a reading of Trent Dalton’s Love Stories. We listened to a few of the chapters and then I asked ‘who would have the courage to chat to a stranger about their love story’. Ron said he would talk about his grandchildren, then he broke out into song and half the group joined him in song, another magic moment.

You never know what each day will bring. BlueCross are currently recruiting volunteers to join our community, if this sounds like you please contact us at volunteercoordinator@bluecross. com.au

Some local people of Ukrainian heritage decided to ask for help by knocking-on doors. BlueCross received a call to donate medical supplies and other items to be shipped to Ukraine. So many in the BlueCross community were keen to do what they could.

Melissa Ryley, Residence Manager at BlueCross Livingstone Gardens

explained that the word was put out for anyone who felt strongly, to support the Ukrainian people and donate to this drive.

“Residents started knitting and families brought in donations. Some residents went out and bought toys for the children, while others donated cash which we used to buy medical supplies,” she said.

Four BlueCross residences were able to collect items and money for medical supplies that were part of the first donations to Ukraine.

BlueCross Hansworth, Riverlea, The Boulevard and Livingstone Gardens were all involved.

BlueCross CEO Ingrid Harvey told us how thrilled she was with the BlueCross response.

“It’s simply encouraging to witness the compassion that binds the BlueCross community together,” she said.