For Kelmscott resident Jan Stone, what began as a simple plan to support her mother has turned into a 40-year commitment volunteering at Armadale Hospital.
Mrs Stone, who is also the president of the hospital’s Ladies Auxiliary volunteer group, marked four decades of service with the group this month, a milestone she never imagined reaching when she first visited the hospital.
Growing up, Mrs Stone said volunteering had always been part of her life through her mum.
Mrs Stone said her mum was always actively involved in community work, a value she carried with her into adulthood.
After her father passed away, however, her mother became less active, prompting Mrs Stone to encourage her to join the hospital auxiliary.
“I decided to bring her up here to Armadale hospital and get her joined, and then I could bow out,” she said.
“But it didn’t quite happen like that. I ended up staying.”
Throughout the years, Mrs Stone has become a familiar and friendly face behind the kiosk, where the auxiliary raises funds to support the hospital.
Through its efforts, the group has donated more than $2 million to Armadale Hospital, funding equipment and services that benefit patients and staff alike.
“We just seem to carry on our own,” Mrs Stone said modestly.
Her involvement has extended beyond the kiosk, including time spent on the hospital’s community advisory council, where she participated in ward rounds and spoke directly with patients.
“That was very interesting – to see how the patients were getting on with their nurses and things,” she said.
This year also marked the auxiliary’s 79th anniversary, a longevity Mrs Stone attributes to the dedication of its volunteers.
“We’re all pretty dedicated,” she said.
“Without us, the hospital would not have their lollies.”
Mrs Stone said human connection motivated the volunteers to continue the work they did.
“It’s interesting going up there and talking to different people – the nurses, the executive staff – they all come in and chat to us,” she said.
Despite her decades of service, Mrs Stone said she never saw herself as a volunteer.
“I would never have been a volunteer if it hadn’t been for mum,” she said.
“Mum just said, ‘You can volunteer for things’.
“And you never say no to your mum.”
