Heart for volunteering
28 November 2025
It was clear from walking around AnglicareSA’s Elizabeth Dutton Court Residential Aged Care home with Social Activities volunteer Pamela that she had made a positive impact on the residents.
The residents’ faces instantly brightened when they saw Pamela, who had recently returned to volunteering after a month of personal leave. Pamela said being away from the residents for so long had been difficult.
“For me to have a month off has been a real hole,” she said.
“I have fallen in love with the residents and missed them while I have been on leave.”
Pamela, who gives her time three days a week, said volunteering gave her purpose.
“Volunteering has been so fulfilling and rewarding, and I just love it,” she said.
“Helping other people out is my love language.”
Pamela said she had always had a heart for volunteering. As a teenager, she got a bus license to drive the local council’s community bus – a skill that would come in handy later in life.
It was volunteering through her church at an aged care home where Pamela met Maritza Granados, and followed her to Dutton Court when Maritza joined AnglicareSA as a Customer Wellness Coordinator.
“Maritza called me one day and asked if I knew anyone who could drive a bus and volunteer at AnglicareSA, knowing full well I have a bus licence,” Pamela said.
“So, I followed her here (Dutton Court) and started volunteering, and that was nearly a year ago.”
In her role as a Social Activities volunteer, Pamela helps residents get ready for lifestyle activities, arranges supplies for social activities, and drives residents on the bus to outings, including on trishaw rides.
Pamela said the best part of her role was building strong bonds with the residents, who often told her how much her work was appreciated.
“We have a resident we regularly take on trishaw outings, and when she gets off the trishaw, she will give me a hug and a kiss and thank me,” she said.
“She really praised the fact that I had given her something to do outside of her home.
“Particularly if you are having a lower sort of day, to have someone say you are doing a good job, makes the job easier.”
Volunteering at AnglicareSA
Do you have a heart for caring for others like Pamela and want to give back?
We have a range of volunteering opportunities at AnglicareSA, including helping to facilitate social activities in residential aged care and supporting children through loss and grief at our Star Bear camp.