By VANESSA CHIRCOP
FOR Alwyn Sumbler making the decision to become a volunteer for Vision Australia was one of the easiest decisions she has made.
The Altona resident’s grandmother was blind and from a young age Alwyn knew she would one day become a volunteer to help the vision impaired.
“I always said when I retired from work I would work for the blind.”
After 44 years working as a nurse, Alwyn found herself retiring early to care for her sick husband and father – and for the last seven and a half years has been a volunteer for Vision Australia.
“My main role is in fundraising,” she said, “or helping train the blind to use canes.”
Since the death of both her father and husband, Alwyn has devoted even more time to the organisation, taking on more responsibilities.
The 66-year-old believes the work keeps her young.
“A lot of people after they retire think ‘what the hell am I going to do’,” she said.
“It’s (volunteering) quite rewarding, I’ve made a lot of friends.”
Prior to her husband’s death, Alwyn would take him with her to many of her volunteering jobs.
Alwyn recalls the number of people with Seeing Eye Dogs that attended his funeral.
“They (Vision Australia) named a puppy after him,” she said.
Alwyn said she has encouraged others to consider volunteering.
“There’s a lot of work out there that people can do,” she said.
This week is National Volunteer Week.
Vision Australia’s CEO Gerard Menses said it is an important opportunity to reflect on the hours of precious time that each and every volunteer gives freely to the organisation.
“It is true to say that without their support we would not be able to provide the range and breadth of services that we offer so many Australians who are blind or have low vision,” he said.
