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Village Living spoke to resident Elvee Brisbane, who shares an uplifting message proving there’s more to volunteering than sausage sizzles and bake sales .

Although Elvee moved to The Village in October 2015, her volunteering venture started far before then – 30 years ago when she joined the Lioness Club.

Elvee was living in Glen Innes at the time, running a hotel with her husband (among other work like owning a fruit store and accounting duties). Eventually, she moved to Toowoomba and began volunteering at the Lions Club.

“Lions are involved in many activities, from fundraising to giving service,” says Elvee. Just last year they raised more than $28 million that went towards funding medical research, healthcare, assisting adults and children with disabilities, and emergency response services.

“As a member, I experience a number of personal benefits like leadership skills, a sense of selfworth, and I have even created lifelong friendships.”

When Elvee is not helping out at the Lions Club, you’ll likely find her at Hope Horizons or St Vincent’s Hospital – where administrative work and speaking with patients is what it’s all about.

Hope Horizons is a foundation dedicated to offering holistic and credible services to cancer patients. Their ultimate goal is to see free allied health services provided to those living with cancer – think counselling, exercise classes, social support, dental services, meditation, and more. “I love seeing the clients after their treatments – they come out relaxed and always smiling,” says Elvee. Just when you thought one person couldn’t possibly volunteer her time anymore, Elvee also supports the Highfields Park Run every few weeks – a free community event encouraging participants to get out and about, all while promoting healthy exercise. Elvee’s kind nature and charitable soul not only serve as a blessing to our community but also confirms there’s a whole new chapter of life ahead. Some call it ‘retirement’ but really, it’s an opportunity for personal growth and meaningful relationships.