Volunteer of the Month: A friendly girl from Waihī Beach

Trudy Van Stee is in her happy place behind the drums during a music afternoon at A Friends Place.

She is surprised to be Volunteer of the Month for Volunteering Services, but the many others at Waihī Beach are not; they are aware of the many activities and connections she has developed.

Trudy moved to Waihī Beach from Auckland, where she worked in the print shop, and spent eight months researching what was needed to improve the lives of older people living on the beach. She worked as a distraction therapist at Athenree Rest Home for eight years, had trained in managing dementia and felt there was a better way to improve the lives of older people.

“I spent eight months finding a location, finding volunteers, talking to churches, doctors and nursing homes and designing what we had to offer. I also raised money for equipment and found this room at the Waihī Beach Community Centre.

“I learned a lot about submitting funding applications; I earn five a year. I have 13 volunteers who keep the activities running. Many are ex-nurses and they are on the list so that those attending are never let down.”

There are activities four days a week, from music in two sessions to soft rock, and jazz and swing, craft mornings, board games and games of 500, pampering on Friday and political discussions on Tuesday. There are also monthly trips.

She keeps her activity groups small so people can talk to each other. The participants are all over 65, and many are in their 80s and 90s. A 96-year-old plays in the band.

They produce quality, ready-made meals for people who have difficulty cooking, helping people get to doctor’s appointments or simply providing much-needed companionship.

For more information check out their Facebook page.