Sue Welford likes to keep busy, and the Cancer Society is the grateful recipient of her time and energy.
Sue started volunteering her time with the South Canterbury Cancer Society following her retirement.
“I’m not a sit around type of person and because I keep in really good health, I thought I’d see if I can find something to do where I can help other people.”
As a cancer survivor herself she chose a charity dear to her heart.
She has been described by Cancer Society staff as a ‘turn her hand to anything’ volunteer and has been involved in a variety of voluntary roles including driving people to appointments, making phone calls, collecting on fundraising days, visiting people with cancer, and most recently has put her hand up to be the facilitator of a new coffee group for those impacted by cancer that meets monthly in Timaru.
Sue is quick to stress she’s only one of hundreds of local volunteers and says she gets as much out of volunteering as she gives, maybe more.
“Through volunteering I’ve got to meet some amazing people who are going through one of the most awful times of their lives, their bravery and their outlook on life is inspiring. It helps me put everything in perspective and I’m grateful for every day.”
Sue says volunteering gives her “purpose”.
“I believe you should help each other. If you have the circumstances and want to make a small difference in someone’s life, you should do it.”
The Cancer Society wishes to take the opportunity this National Volunteer Week to thank all the amazing volunteers who, just like Sue, give their time, energy and enthusiasm to support its work. If you’re keen to find out more about how you can get involved in volunteering with the Cancer Society head to cancer.org.nz/get-involved/volunteer/