There’s a special strand running through Laurinda Laxay’s DNA. A double-helix of caring.

She volunteers three days a week at Uniting AgeWell’s Andrew Kerr Care AgeWell Centre on the Mornington Peninsula where she loves spending time with people attending the day activity programs there.

She’s been there since August 2024 and describes the role as “very rewarding.”

On one of the days, the 58-year-old brings along her therapy dog Charlie-Girl, a rescue pup that has the customers wrapped around her little paw. She can’t bring her rescue cats along. Milo is elderly and kitten Pawla is a bit of a wild-card. She’s busy with her own idea of fun, unpicking all Laurinda’s cross-stitching!

“I love chatting to customers, they have such fascinating stories about their lives,” says Laurinda. “I help out with activities, with dominoes and word games, serving morning tea and lunches and even in the craft room. Honestly, I just love spending time with older people and I think they enjoy my company too. I like to think I am making a difference.”

Centre Coordinator Alison Lay certainly thinks so. “Laurinda is absolutely fabulous, so kind and caring. She’s a real treasure! The customers just love her!”

Laurinda worked in admin for 30 years before becoming a carer in the disability and aged care sectors in 2019. Later she gave it up to become a full-time carer for her late Mum.

Laurinda is still living in the Frankston home she shared with her late Nana and her Mum– three generations under one roof which Laurinda describes as a “wonderful experience.”

Laurinda’s caring is never far from the surface – as her older neighbours can attest to. “When we cooked a big meal, like a roast or whatever, I’d take some over to them, knock on their door and say ‘Meals on feet has arrived!’ They loved it.”

In her spare time, Laurinda enjoys working in the garden, going to the theatre and researching their family tree.

Her advice to those thinking of volunteering? “Just do it! The staff here are all amazing, so friendly and kind. Being here has added a whole new dimension to my life, I love it!”