Volunteers - The Spastic Centre - Cerebral Palsy Alliance

SUMMER ‘10VolunteersCommunity PartnersMaking a difference tothe lives of people withcerebral palsyWhat’s On?2011 Diary DatesProfile:Judith WhiteTrekking for a causeCelebrating Christmaswith our festive volunteers

FROM THE CEOAs the year draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunityto thank you all for your personal support and contribution toThe Spastic Centre. Volunteers are vital to our organisation andwe wouldn’t be who we are today without you.From February 8, 2011, we invite our volunteers to embrace TheSpastic Centre’s new name – Cerebral Palsy Alliance. The namechange will clearly represent both our cause and the importanceof our external relationships. Our alliance with our volunteers iscentral to the difference you make to the lives of our clients.Another important project on the horizon is the rebuildingof our service site on the Allambie Heights campus. Sinceour devastating fire in 2007, Head Office has been in rentedpremises at Terrey Hills. It is now time for a permanent solution.We are constructing new premises at our Allambie Heightssite that will serve as the regional hub for our staff who deliverlife changing services to the Sydney north and east regions.Building is due to commence in early 2011 and we hope tocomplete Stage 1 of the project within 12 months.So, an exciting year ahead! Thank you again for all that you doand being part of The Spastic Centre community.Wishing you and your family a very happy, healthy and safeChristmas and New Year.Rob WhiteChief Executive OfficerThe Spastic CentreFROM THE VOLUNTEERSOur volunteers have been very busy over the last fewmonths, particularly leading up to Christmas. We areextremely appreciative of your enthusiasm, creativityand dedication. Nothing ever seems to be too much!I wish I could capture all of you in this edition butunfortunately we would never have enough space.Hope you enjoy some snippets from our Christmasand end-of-year celebrations, and reading aboutwhat some of our amazing individual and corporatevolunteers have been up to in their spare time!As you know the hours you continue to tirelesslydonate are all worth it, as our clients and familiesenjoy opportunities that otherwise are difficult orimpossible for us to provide without our incrediblevolunteers.With a new name and building happening in 2011,we also have some changes happening within theVolunteer Team, including my retirement as Managerof the Volunteers program after 8 ½ years.Those of you who know me will understand thatthis was an extremely difficult decision, as I so lovewhat I do and working with all of you. Thanks toyour loyalty and support, the program has grownenormously. I am so proud to have been part of suchan incredible group of inspiring people. The programwill only continue to thrive in Carole’s and Angela’scapable hands.Thank you again for making it such a pleasure tocome to work each day. Wishing you all the very bestfor the future.Warmest regards,Jackie2

VOLUNTEERAWARDSSpastic Centre volunteerDiane Green, is one of six finalistsin this year’s NSW Volunteer(Employee) of the Year Awards.The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are held topromote and acknowledge the outstanding efforts ofthe state’s 2.4 million volunteers.This year, The Spastic Centre nominated ING Australiavolunteer, Diane Green, in the NSW Volunteer(Employee) of the Year category.Volunteer Manager, Jackie Curnow says Diane’scommitment and dedication to The Spastic Centremade her an obvious choice.‘During 2010, Diane notched up more than 160 hoursof volunteering; a great testament to her commitmentto making a difference in the lives of young peoplewith cerebral palsy (CP). In her ‘spare’ time, Dianeworks as the Head of Finance and Reporting forING Australia, so we think she’s a superstar!’For the past four years, Diane has been involved inThe Spastic Centre’s Ignition and Emerge programsas a volunteer coach and mentor for teenagers withCP. She has also donated her time to assist at manySpastic Centre events.Jackie Curnow says, ‘Thanks to Diane’s passion andsupport of our organisation, many ING staff haveparticipated in numerous Backyard Blitz and buildingmake-over projects. This support has resulted inmassive savings for our organisation in both timeand money.’ING Australia’s CEO Harry Stout is not surprised byDiane’s nomination. ‘Anyone who has met Dianewould agree that her commitment to helping othersis unwavering, she is astoundingly passionate aboutgiving back to the community, and unbeknownst toher, is an inspiration to many.’Diane’s mentee, Emily Dash adds, ‘AcknowledgingDiane with this award would be a great way torecognise her selfless efforts. I will always look upto her and remember the wonderful things she hasdone for me.’Diane also supports the Red Cross’s Telecross serviceand sits on the Board of Star Association.5minuteswith...Bonnie BainErnst & YoungFoundationWhat is your connectionwith The Spastic Centre?I have the privilege of working with The SpasticCentre in my capacity as the National VolunteerCoordinator for the Ernst & Young Foundation.What do you enjoy most about your role?I get satisfaction from providing enthusiasticvolunteers to The Spastic Centre. It is my timeput to good use. It also serves as a personalcheck for me to ensure that I remember thatthere is more to work than clients and revenues.Favourite moment or story at The SpasticCentre?I had a group who cleared some bush atAllambie Heights. A senior partner wasattending and I was concerned that he wouldnot find the activity stimulating enough. To mysurprise, he and his team came back ravingabout the staff and the work The Spastic Centredoes! Happy staff makes me happy.Favourite saying?‘I arise in the morning torn between a desireto improve the world and a desire to enjoy theworld. This makes it hard to plan the day.’ -Elwyn Brooks White.Emily Dash and Diane Green5

COMMUNITY PARTNERSThis year, our team of corporate volunteers helped to improve the livesof children and adults with cerebral palsy through their participation inour Projects and Partners program.AMERICAN EXPRESS This year, AMEX volunteers have shown a diverse range oftalents. Manly and St Ives CAS and Venee Burges Hostel have all been brightened upwith a fresh coat of paint. A huge gardening project was also undertaken at St. Ives CASin collaboration with our members. Thank you too for hosting yet another successfulHalloween party at the St. Ives site.ARISTOCRAT A big thank you for all your work at our Lifestyles CAS. In particular, theaboriginal-style painting which has received many comments from clients and staff.CISCO These guys are one of our most industrious groups of volunteers. You haveweeded, mulched, planted, pruned and painted your way through several projects in only afew months.CLAYTON UTZ We were thrilled your volunteer team could assist us with completing ahuge archive project. Your time and expertise was very much appreciated. Thanks also forallowing us to use your lovely meeting rooms. Our rural teams cannot help but be inspiredlooking out at those stunning harbour views!COMMONWEALTH BANK We are so appreciative of all your hard work this year whichincluded a Backyard Blitz at our Merrylands House, painting at Venee Burges Hostel,gardening and painting (and so much more) at Ryde House, and hosting a Halloween partyfor all our members at Lifestyles CAS.ERNST & YOUNG Who would have thought that a group of accountants would make suchtalented painters and gardeners? Thanks to everyone who gave so generously of their time.GE The GE volunteers have been absolute stars this year. You’ve helped with painting and/or gardening projects, installed new lighting at our supported employment service andhosted several events including a State of Origin party for adult clients, a Halloween cocktailparty and two Xmas parties for adults with CP in the south west region. Children with CPwere also treated to outings to the Aquarium and IMAX theatre at Darling Harbour. The GESydney office’s Christmas tree will also generate presents for our adult clients which GE willpersonally deliver.SAINT IGNATIUS’ COLLEGE, RIVERVIEW The support of the boys from Saint Ignatius’College transcends their annual street collection. Many students are now choosing tospend their volunteer hours supporting various programmes throughout the organisation.6Commonwealth bankSaint Ignatius’ College, RiverviewGE

ING Our friends at ING never fail to impress. When we asked for help to arrange a specialbirthday party to celebrate 10 years of Conductive Education at The Centre we had a teamof eager party planners within minutes. The disco evening was an enormous success withnearly 150 children, siblings and parents attending. ING volunteers also helped our familiesparticipate in the annual Sydney Running Festival, and treated everyone to a fabulousbreakfast at the end of the course.Notching up five years of support, our ING Ignition and Emerge mentors continue to makea huge difference to young people with CP. Thank you also for your contribution to thesecond annual emerge conference which was such a success.INTERNATIONAL SOS With several donations from Trivia Evenings, the sale of officefurniture and a Soccer World Cup competition, International SOS have proven to becommitted to supporting The Spastic Centre.KPMG Your continued support is very much appreciated. From providing catered meetingrooms for our PD Team to planning and hosting a terrific end of year disco party for thechildren at Prairiewood.NAB We truly value your immense support in the Hunter and Centre Coast region. Yourinvolvement with Wheelchair Touch Day and Holiday Program at Stuart Centre wasamazing.PwC Your support has been greatly appreciated by so many of our clients. pwc volunteersvisited our houses in Frenchs Forest and Thornleigh to paint lounge rooms and hallways.They also spent time with our Boccia champions during their visit to Avalon Boccia courts.SALESFORCE Thanks to Salesforce for your sponsorship and team of wonderful volunteersin the inaugural BizAcademy held in September. It was a huge success with over half of yourstaff from the Sydney offices contributing to the program!SCHWARZKOPF We hugely appreciate all the gardening your volunteers did and the dataentry project was such an enormous help with our new file management system.WESTFIELD Our Sportfitz gym at Allambie is much more fun since your lovely volunteerssplashed some colour on the walls and doors and completely updated the decor.Thanks to all the companies who provided volunteersto wrap Christmas gifts at various shopping malls.All money raised will go towards purchasing mobility andcommunication equipment for children with cerebral palsy.American ExpressSchwarzkopfWestfield7

NEW NAMESAME CAUSEOur new name will help usachieve a stronger profile, clarityand unambiguous focus oncerebral palsy.This year, The Spastic Centre celebrated a significantmilestone with the launch of a new name – CerebralPalsy Alliance. Our new name will officially take effecton 8 February, 2011.Cerebral Palsy Alliance reflects our many partnershipswith children and adults with cerebral palsy and theirfamilies, volunteers, donors, small business, largecorporate supporters and government.Our new name will help us achieve a stronger profile,clarity and unambiguous focus on cerebral palsy, andTREKKINGFOR A CAUSESpastic Centre volunteerJudith White recently donned hikingboots and backpack for a Vietnamadventure to help raise moneyfor children with CP.Judith White from GE Capital first heard about TheSpastic Centre’s fundraising trek to Vietnam in an emailshe had received from the volunteer team, and as anavid traveller, it piqued her interest.‘The Vietnam Charity Challenge really appealed to mebecause it was a great opportunity to do somethingcompletely different, test myself and explore anothercountry that has long fascinated me.’Judith soon signed up to join 10 other supporters on the14 day adventure challenge, which required people tofundraise for The Spastic Centre to participate. The trekincluded a three day volunteer project visit to a remotecentre to help children and adults with CP.Judith says the hard work of fundraising and training isreally worth the effort. ‘I would recommend you give thisexciting challenge a go. It’s very rewarding to reach yourfundraising target, with the support and encouragementof The Spastic Centre. I met some amazing peoplewill lead to greater support from the wider communityover the coming years. We also believe our new namewill significantly raise the public’s awareness of cerebralpalsy and the role our organisation plays supportingclients and families.Thanks to people like you, our dedicated volunteers, wecan continue pursuing our mission of building futures forpeople with cerebral palsy. Your continued loyalty andcommitment are greatly appreciated by us all.Marelle Thornton AMPresidenton the trek, and it re-affirmed to me that you can doanything when you put your mind to it.’From the volunteer team, we’d like to congratulateJudith and her fellow travel mates who raised almost$50,000 – a fantastic effort!GE Capital have been supporters of The SpasticCentre for seven years.For more information about The Spastic Centre’snext fundraising adventure, contact Marie Gambleon (02) 9479 7251.They made it! Judith White (back row,second from right) with her travel mates8

VOLUNTEER ROLESIf you’ve always been interested in helping people with a disability, butdidn’t know where to start, then perhaps volunteering may interest you.The Spastic Centre’s volunteer team is a diverse group ofpeople who bring a wide range of skills and knowledgethat helps ensure our organisation can continueproviding essential services for our clients.‘It is amazing how such a small actof spending time with people canbe so rewarding.’ Robert - volunteer atToongabbie House.Volunteering opportunities at The Spastic Centre areas varied as our team; roles range from dog walking tohouse painting, from administration support to schoolpresentations; from playing chess with adult clientsto reading to children; we can also create a role that’stailored to suit your particular interests and talents.Noer Wahyuni Bye and Birgitta Sunarti Granelli aretwo volunteers currently providing The Spastic Centrewith some much-needed administrative support. Eachweek, they spend a few hours at our head office helpingour Human Resources team with tasks such as filing,scanning and data entry.Originally from Indonesia, the two women sayVolunteers, Noer Wahyuni Byeand Birgitta Sunarti Granellivolunteering has given them a great opportunity toimprove their communication skills and learn newtechnology systems.‘For us, volunteering has given us the chance to gainwork experience, learn new skills and make friends.’The Spastic Centre offers volunteers in-depthorientation, training and on-going support,role descriptions and an on-call service.For more information on our volunteer roles,visit www.thespasticcentre.org.au/howtohelpMyTime SUPPORT GROUPThanks to a team of volunteers, parents of childrenwith CP can enjoy a much needed break.The Spastic Centre’s MyTime groups provide local support formums, dads, grandparents and anyone caring for a young childunder school age with cerebral palsy.The Spastic Centre now has more than 20 volunteers for theMyTime support groups being run in the Hunter and theCentral Coast regions.MyTime gives parents the chance to socialise and share ideas withothers who understand the rewards and intensity of the caring role.Parents can meet with people in similarcircumstances to have fun, hear from others and find outabout available community support.Volunteers help children participate in activities including singing,drawing, playing with toys and music. This allows parents to socialise with other parents,relax and have some time out while their children are being entertained.Volunteer Louise Jones with Daleat a MyTime group.MyTime groups are run at selected Spastic Centre sites.For more information, please contact the volunteer team on (02) 9479 7288.9

OUT AND ABOUTA group of volunteers on the Central Coast assisted with the creation of a newresource kit for people living with a disability in the Hunter and Central Coastregion. The kit is called ‘Building Futures ... Creating Connections’ and wasdeveloped by The Spastic Centre in collaboration with a group of young peoplewith cerebral palsy who shared their own experiences and local knowledge.Front cover ofThe Spastic Centre’sresource kit for peopleliving with a disability.The group involved in the creation of The Spastic Centre’s new resource kit.The volunteer team recently heard leading demographer Bernard Saltspeak at the 13th National Conference on Volunteering. Salt said the nextdecade will be a ‘golden age’ of volunteering thanks to ageing BabyBoomers. With a 20 year gap between retirement and death, Salt says thatNot for Profit organisations will need to learn to manage the expectationsof this intelligent and opinionated generation if they are to effectivelyharness their volunteering potential. Mmm ... who would have thoughtstatistics could be so interesting?Bernard Salt speaks at the13th National Conference onVolunteering.Greg Wakeham and daughter Maddie with Brian andDot DobsonThere are all sorts of volunteering rolesat The Spastic Centre, including walkingthe dogs for our clients. For the past twoyears, volunteer Greg Wakeham has beendoing just this for Brian and Dot Dobsonwho have CP. Devastated at the loss oftheir beloved ‘Roxy’ earlier this year, thecouple now have a new pooch, ‘Tiny’.Not only does Greg give Tiny the chanceto stretch her legs, he’s also on hand tohelp out with her medication, vet visits,baths and regular grooming on schedule.10

5minuteswith...Don McLartyVolunteerWhat is your connection with The Spastic Centre?I volunteer every Tuesday at the Lifestyle Options Community AccessService (CAS). I also help out on other occasions including sports eventsand the annual week-long trip to Camp Breakaway.What do you enjoy most about your role?My role is all about spending time with clients. The most enjoyablething about that has been the opportunity to form some wonderful newfriendships, in particular with my best friend, Michael Breen.Favourite moment or story at The Spastic Centre?This is hard to pick because I have favourite moments all the time.However, I’d have to say that seeing the pure joy on the faces ofclients who went on motorcycle rides at last year’s camp was an alltimefavourite moment.Favourite saying?That would have to be from a client, Michael Breen- ‘Haha, made you work Don!’DIARY DATESIf you are interested in volunteering atany of our upcoming events,please contact our volunteer teamon 02 9479 7288.DateEvent8 February Launch of The Spastic Centre’s new name – Cerebral Palsy Alliance6 March 20/twenty Challenge, Shelly Beach to Clontarf18 – 21MarchCBD Golf Escape! Cypress Lakes, Hunter Valley1 April HSBC Waratahs vs The Chiefs charity game2 AprilGolden Slipper Race Day ‘Pin & Win’ fundraising event, RosehillRacecourse9-15 May National Volunteer Week11

VOLUNTEER...AND LIVE LONGER!Research has revealed that just two hours of volunteeringper week can have a positive impact on your health.Some of the benefits to donating your time or expertiseinclude increased longevity, decreased levels of depressionand even reduced risk of heart disease.So, what could you do for two hours ...?MyTime ProgrammeAssistantsSpend time playing, drawing,singing and other fun activitieswith children while their parentsenjoy some time out.Time: 2 Hours per weekArea: Various rural sitesBoccia AssistantBoccia is a fun and inclusivegame that anyone can play butsome of our atheletes needassistance.Time: 2 Hours per weekArea: Avalon or AllambieDriversVarious programs in thenorth and east region requirevolunteer drivers to transportadults with CP to McLeodHouse for swimming, gymand other appointments.Time: 2 HoursArea: Allambie HeightsFor further information on volunteering for The Spastic Centre:12www.TheSpasticeCentre.com.auT: (02) 9479 7288E: volunteers@tscnsw.org.auPO Box 184 Brookvale NSW 2100 ABN 82 582 833 857