Maintaining community connection at the heart of two decades’ volunteering for genU 

Glenda McPherson celebrated 20 years of incredible service with the genU Volunteer Program and was acknowledged for her contribution at genU’s 2025 National Volunteer Week Service Awards. 

Initially a volunteer at Costa Residential Aged Care, she dedicated her time to support isolated older Australians so they remained connected in their community. Glenda has worn many hats at Costa House, starting with the Tea Trolley, to Leisure Activities and a 15-year stint in the kiosk.

Encouraged back to volunteering after COVID, Glenda’s generous personality makes her a joy to spend time with. genU is pleased to continue supporting her volunteering through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme, funded by the Australian Government.

Through her volunteering Glenda visits the residential aged care facility in her local area to provide friendship and companionship to older people.

Glenda was acknowledged for her service at the genU Volunteer Service Awards high tea on 20 May and was grateful for the unexpected recognition.

Reflecting on her volunteering journey, Glenda believes the human connection is crucial as people age and has a positive impact in someone’s overall wellbeing.

What prompted you to start volunteering 20 years ago?

It actually started because my dad was put into care here at Costa House, so I'd come and visit him every day because I live in Lara.

When I visited Dad, I used to talk to Edna who ran the kiosk then. She'd always ask, ‘How's your dad going?’ then one day she asked me, ‘Do you think you'd consider doing a tea trolley to help me out?’ 

My husband said, I'll do it with you, so we did the tea trolley once a week for about 10 years. We always were very reliable. We'd go around to each room in the three high-level care wards with the trolley and offer people tea, coffee and a biscuit, then I'd visit my dad afterwards. 

Can you recall your first day and how the role evolved? 

I quite enjoyed it. It was challenging because the three wards felt like it was a rabbit warren. 

Then it was like any job. In the start, you think about what you have to do, and then you got so used to it. In the end, you'd know which resident wanted what, what biscuit they like the best, so you got very familiar with them. 

We'd get the tea and coffee around so everybody got one hot, and then when we went back to get their cups, you could spend a bit of time if they wanted to chat.

What do you enjoy about volunteering and the role you are doing? 

I probably visit about five or six residents each time I volunteer. 

My father used to have a newsagency in post office here in Lara, and I actually worked with this one lady, so she was really happy when I came on board and started to visit her. 

There's another little lady I've known for years, she's over 100, and at the very beginning, I would have a bit of a chat with her about the old days of Lara. Then there are two residents that I do spend a bit of time with – two lades, one I try and encourage to get out for a walk around the grounds, and another who always likes a good long chat.

What is your fondest memory? 

There was one lady I got very attached to, and unfortunately, she has passed away now. She had major health issues and was in serious pain most of the time. 

I remember walking in one day and she's sitting there, crying in pain. I said, ‘Do you want me to come back later?’ and she said, ‘Can you please sit and talk to me, because when you talk to me, it'll take my mind off the pain until the nurse gets here.’ And that made me feel better, too. We actually had a bit of a laugh and that was nice. 

You do remember those things. 

Why do you think volunteering is important? 

Even if it's just once a week, it’s helping. One resident says to me every visit, ‘It's Monday, so I knew you were coming today, and I've been waiting for you.’ 

Things like that make you appreciate yourself and your life. 

Also, why not make somebody else feel a bit better?

What would you say to community members considering volunteering with genU?

I would encourage anybody – I don't push anything on anyone, but if they're talking about it and I'm talking about what I do at Costa House, I certainly say, look, it's well worth it.

I think it really makes a difference. I think if anybody could give a little bit of time to people – there’s an awful lot of lonely people out there. 

Volunteering with genU enriches you and others. Find out how you can give back and make a difference in your community