Story from December 2023
Recent research in the United States found that people over 50 years of age who volunteer for at least two hours weekly, live longer and, are generally, more healthy than those who don’t volunteer.
And at the age of 92, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane volunteer Colin Apelt is living and thriving testament to that!
Colin has volunteered for St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane for over 20 years as a bereavement support worker and more recently as the drinks trolley volunteer, spreading good cheer and engaging chat around the palliative care ward at St Vincent’s Brisbane (Kangaroo Point) hospital.
Following the death of his beloved wife Margaret in 1999, retired engineering Professor Colin Apelt worked closely with the Sisters of Mercy on governance issues with the Mater Hospital board, before stepping back from the role in 2001.
Colin has always held the motto “In service of the community“ close to his heart, so after a short break, he was drawn into frontline volunteer service at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Brisbane, two years later.
“When I started in the bereavement support role, especially when I was undergoing training and induction, it just clicked for me because it hadn’t been that long ago that I had been on my own grief journey and in a sense, I still was, “reflects Colin.
“I had that lived experience where you knew how tough it was and how long it could take to move into a different phase because you’re in a dark space for quite a while after the loss of a lifelong partner.
“So, I knew the importance of little gestures, like making those follow up calls to the close family member of the recently departed palliative care patient, to check in with them as well as sending condolence cards. I was a good listener and empathetic and I think that was valued and helped many people.”
Christine has been volunteering for St Vincent’s Northside for 12 years - initially working in the post-operative oncology ward in an administrative role, but more recently as a team leader and now as a concierge at the main entrance.
“It’s good knowing that I can be of some comfort to people when they arrive and if they don’t know where they’re going for an appointment and they’re stressed and confused,” said Christine.
“I’m a people person – I love people and I love life. People whom I help at the hospital sometimes ask me why I’m a volunteer and I’m happy to share a little bit of my story as to how I came to be working with the volunteer team. When I talk about what happened to my family, I think people see it as authentic and that I’m speaking from personal experience.
“Sometimes they ask if they can give me a hug – I guess because there’s some empathy or shared experience between us.”
Ms Smith said while Colin Apelt was the oldest volunteer, he “had the biggest spring in his step,” possessed lots of wisdom, a calm and attentive nature and a fantastic sense of humour.
“He’s very popular with the team with some volunteers actively seeking out time with him and asking advice about a range of different things, life experiences and not just volunteering,” she said.
“Christine is continually looking for ways to support patients and visitors to our hospital and provides a warm and welcome greeting to everyone coming to our hospital and is especially of assistance escorting patients to day surgery.”
St Vincent’s showed its thanks and appreciation for its volunteers with its annual Christmas lunches for volunteers at Northside and Brisbane hospitals this week.
