What inspires 30 years of volunteering, and can we learn from it?
This week the Volaby team were both humbled and privileged to sit down with the wonderful Christine Poole – a volunteering veteran who has been actively volunteer for the past 30 years of her life. We had a Q&A session with Christine who indulged us with the lessons she learnt, what has kept her committed and what her advice is to others who are interested in getting into Volunteer.
Question: How many years have you been volunteering?
Answer: Having had the experience of a catholic education, volunteering was always part of life. I didn’t return to paid work after our daughters were born (3 girls in 3 years and 3 months!!!!) so can probably date it back to when they first went to playgroup, then preschool, school etc. After they all finished school, I found more community based volunteering. I guess you could say I’ve been volunteering for 30 years.
Question: What made you first decide to start volunteering?
Answer: Our family has moved a lot and so at each new place we arrived at I would find a sport to play and some volunteering (mainly through schools) to keep me busy. It is the best way to meet people and become part of the community. I have gratitude for my particular personal circumstances and find volunteering a rewarding way to express it.
Question: What were your expectations when you started and did these change?
Answer: My expectations were that I was doing something for someone else however I never expected to receive so much more in return.
Over time I realised that it had to be meaningful to me. I hate fundraising so have always steered clear of that. I like to be busy and purposeful. I like to be able to see outcomes eg, at the Southbank Vaccination Hub I was pleased to see so many people being vaccinated.
Question: What’s something you didn’t expect or that surprised you?
Answer: How much you get in return. From my work with QHVSG supporting families when they were in Court I realised that people who have been through the worst possible experience (losing their loved one to homicide) still have gratitude and sincere interest in someone they don’t know but who is prepared to show up to honour their loved one.
Question: Can you share with us your favourite experience/experiences whilst volunteering?
Answer: In 2012 to celebrate my 50th birthday, I went to Cambodia with Habitat for Humanity and helped build a house. On the last morning when we were putting the finishing touches to the house, the woman whose house we built asked her daughter (who spoke English) to tell me how much she appreciated my contribution. That memory still brings me to tears.
Question: What have you taken away from your experiences? Is there anything that you think shaped you or your view on something?
Answer: Volunteering at private schools, homeless shelters, golf clubs, murder trials, the vaccination hub, I have been introduced a variety of people from all sorts of backgrounds. I have found that regardless I can relate to and respect everyone equally. I’ve loved meeting people who I wouldn’t normally cross paths with in my daily life.
Question: Why do you think you’ve stayed on volunteering for so long, and what has kept you coming back?
Answer: I love meeting new people and getting to know them; seeing meaningful outcomes; and finding a new community to become part of.
Question: What would you say to people who are interested in volunteering?
Answer: Jump right in, you’ll be surprised how much can be achieved. Take your time to work out what you are enthusiastic about and interested in and take pride in doing the job well.
Question: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Answer: “In my family I was in a fortunate position to be able to choose full time motherhood, but it can seem underwhelming to some. Over time I feel that my family have realised how much I have achieved through my volunteering work, and they have supported and cheered me along the way. I take pride in the fact that our children are all keen to contribute to society meaningfully and show gratitude and kindness in their actions.”