Pam Heider was looking to gain her confidence back, and she found it and so much more while volunteering at the Wishlist accommodation facility, Wishlist Centre.
Drawn to the accommodation process at Wishlist Centre and reaching a full circle moment, Pam decided to volunteer for Wishlist and has now been volunteering at the reception desk since July last year.
“I get as much as I give,” Pam says.
After going through a health journey of her own 19 years ago when Pam first discovered Wishlist, she often relates with guests going through a similar journey.
In 2005, Pam had a mammogram when she was 47 years old solely because work colleagues were having one, and she received the confronting news that they found a lump which Pam believe she would never have found on her own.
Pam had surgery to remove the lump at Nambour Hospital before starting chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation.
“I had three kids at home and I was working full time so I had to take leave from work to do my treatment - I think a lot of it is attitude, you have to have a positive attitude.
“The first time I ever heard of Wishlist was when I had my last round of chemo in 2006 in the new cancer care unit at Nambour Hospital - funded by Wishlist - which was wonderful. It had so many windows, everything was new, and the staff were happier too.”
As a volunteer at the reception desk, Pam finds it extremely rewarding and comforting to see the first hand difference that the centre and volunteers make each day.
“It can be a lonely journey and I think it’s important people aren’t feeling alone.
“It’s great seeing the difference Wishlist Centre makes to people because guests come in feeling a bit lost, then by the time they've been here a few days they're at home with everyone and feel comfortable, and that's what we aim to do – make it a home away from home.
“It comes down to the simple things like sitting with them and taking time to have a chat, bringing them a coffee, and seeing people comfortable… There was never anything like this years ago when I was going through treatment.
“It makes a big difference to people to have somewhere to relax after going through such a difficult journey.
“We get a lot of feedback from people who stay and visit the centre - from people giving a donation to Wishlist after staying, to giving chocolates and cards – there’s always some sort of ‘thank you’.”
Volunteers are the backbone of Wishlist’s work and Pam says she has found a sense of family with the people she volunteers with.
“All the volunteers build quite a beautiful friendship and family together, and we have some fun too.
“We’re all like-minded – we believe in the cause and the purpose.”
Would you like to volunteer? Join our family of caring volunteers across the Sunshine Coast and Gympie at wishlist.org.au or email info@wishlist.org.au.
