Meet Christiane Mamotte, who can pretty much turn her hand to anything when it comes to volunteering with older people.
Her foray into volunteering started in 2016 when she was retrenched from her job working in a bridal salon. She turned a negative into a positive and decided to investigate volunteering.
A life-changing decision. She’s been with the Social Connections program at the Chadstone St Marks Centre for the last eight years. Christiane does crafts and bingo with customers, performs facials and nail pampering, goes on bus trips, walking groups and even doubles up as a cook when required.
Christiane is very handy in the kitchen. Over the years she’s whipped up gorgeous meals for customers, including French cuisine and has even held cooking classes.
“I just help out where I’m needed,” says Christiane, in what must qualify as the understatement of the year.
Christiane says she receives as much as she gives by volunteering at the centre. “I’m really happy spending time with people and making new friends,” she explains. “It gives me a real feeling of purpose and a sense of direction to my days.”
She also enjoys meeting customers from different cultures. She was raised in Mauritius and moved to France before settling in Australia.
Christiane also works as a school crossing supervisor.
In her spare time, the Endeavour Hills grandmother goes to the gym and loves Zumba.
Her advice to anyone thinking of volunteering? “Just do it! You need patience and love but it is so worthwhile and very enjoyable. Uniting AgeWell is a great organisation and trains and looks after its volunteers. It’s good to feel so appreciated.”
Learn more about volunteering at Uniting AgeWell