By VANESSA VALENZUELA
URSZULA Kardas loves sharing her stories and having a laugh with the people she meets at Sunshine Hospital.
Since 2008, Ms Kardas has given up her time to volunteer at the hospital’s opportunity shop where she sorts through clothes, cleans the store and helps visitors look for a bargain.
The Sunshine resident said she decided to start volunteering at the hospital after losing her job in Braybrook more than four years ago.
“I am very, very happy here. It is close. I can walk, ride my bike, or drive my car,” she said.
“I have had lots of people help me and I wanted to give something back.”
Ms Kardas began helping out at the visitors guide desk, and eventually moved to the opportunity shop where she now volunteers twice a week.
All funds raised at the op-shop go towards a new therapy garden for the hospital’s Secure Geriatric Evaluation Ward.
Ms Kardas worked alongside two other volunteers during construction works on the new acute services building, and was excited when the new entrance to the building opened earlier this month.
She said the best thing about volunteering at the op-shop is the chance to meet new people, learn new things and help brighten up the day of hospital visitors.
“It’s a good feeling and you are always laughing. You have everything that life can bring you…your heart is laughing” Ms Kardas said.
Ms Kardas is a nominee for the Star Volunteer of the Year Award.
Each week a different volunteer will be profiled and a winner of the inaugural award will be announced 8 January next year.
Do you know a volunteer?
Please send details to star@starnewsgroup.com.au
