Talkative … Hoppers Crossing’s Natalie Evagelistis, chatting with patient Evelyn Lane, finds volunteering at Western Health a rewarding experience. 59053 Picture: SARAH MATRAY
By Belinda Nolan
A volunteer at Western Health, the Hoppers Crossing resident relishes her regular chin-wag with Sunshine Hospital’s elderly patients.
A mother of five, Ms Evagelistis visits the hospital’s wards for two hours each month, chatting to the patients, many of whom have no family or friends to visit them.
It’s a rewarding experience for the 43-year-old, who lost her own grandparents when she was very young.
Ms Evagelistis had always wanted to volunteer but with a full-time job and five children to care for, struggled to find the time.
But her employer, Victoria University, came to the rescue.
The university established a new program to encourage its workers to volunteer by allowing them to take time off each month to spend in the community.
Ms Evagelistis took up the offer eight months ago and she’s never looked back.
“At first I was quite nervous,” Ms Evagelistis said.
“I’m quite a shy person and to walk into a room and start chatting to a complete stranger was quite daunting.
“But I absolutely love it and it’s really boosted by confidence.”
The kind-hearted volunteer said spending time at the hospital was one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.
“I always walk out feeling like I’ve made someone’s day and put a smile on someone’s face,” Ms Evagelistis said.
“Some of these people have no one to talk to and when I go in they just light up.
“And it’s something I enjoy myself. I get to hear some great stories about people’s lives and often I walk out in amazement,” she said.
Sunshine Hospital is always looking for volunteers to fill a range of roles.
Anyone interested can call 8345 1201.
