The Gift of Volunteering at Waikato Hospital
For 27-year-old Patrick Wu, volunteering is all about giving back to the community and meeting new people.
These are the main reasons he decided to become a Waikato Hospital volunteer in March this year, but are not the only
benefits he has gained in his time providing service.
Volunteering in the Pre-Admission Clinic at Waikato Hospital every week for three-hour shifts, while there, Patrick can
be found in the clinic office helping out with office tasks.
Patrick said another reason he decided to take up volunteer work was to get some experience in a professional setting,
as he is currently a third year student studying a Bachelor of Business Analysis majoring in Accounting, at the
University of Waikato.
Despite a busy tertiary study schedule and a part-time job at Sky City to help him get by, Patrick said he wouldn’t want
to give up his volunteering role.
“I would recommend volunteering to anyone. I really enjoy the support I receive from the other staff and volunteers at
the hospital and learning new things,” he said.
“Volunteering has given me a chance to improve myself and meet new people.”
This week is National Volunteer Awareness Week (June 15-23) and Waikato District Health Board is taking the chance to
formally acknowledge and show appreciation for the volunteers who work tirelessly in its hospitals and healthcare
services.
Volunteers’ coordinator Chris Atkinson has invited the organisation’s 215 volunteers to a get together on Friday 20
June, to find out more about the hospital and celebrate each other’s achievements.
Mrs Atkinson said the get together was an opportunity to thank the volunteers for the contribution they have made to
Waikato DHB this year through the gift of voluntary service.
“Our patients, visitors and staff have benefited immensely from the time, personal skills, energy and commitment these
people have brought to our organisation in 2014.”
In addition to presentations by different areas of the hospital, the volunteers will get together for a team photo and
seven volunteers will receive service badges for five years, four staff for 10 years, two staff for 15 years, and two
staff will receive 20-year service badges for their volunteering roles.
ENDS