Small acts of kindness make a big impact

Stef has been a Community Visitor through MS Plus since 2020. Here she tells us why she joined the program and the impact it has made.

I first found out about the CVS program through working at MS Plus in the Fundraising Events team. It was my wonderful colleague, Shea, in the marketing department who explained the program to me. I thought what a fantastic and much-needed initiative for the senior community, particularly for those who don’t have family or friends nearby.

In my relatively short time as a Community Visitor, the role has reaffirmed that small acts of kindness can make a big impact. Even if it just makes the person happy for a few hours that day – it’s worth it. But from my experience to date, with time a strong rapport and a true friendship can be developed and the volunteering becomes secondary.

The volunteer role allows me to give friendship, support, empathy, laughter and an opportunity for the person I visit to relish in sharing their personal story and experiences. I love that I have created a very relaxed and fun friendship with someone fifty years older than me.

Each fortnight I pick up my senior friend and we go somewhere different for lunch or dinner, and usually fit in a little walk as well. It’s shown me that you can have fun at any age, and that getting older doesn’t mean you have to dim your personality or sense of humour. Thea has a quirky and playful sense of humour, referring to herself as ‘Crazy Great Grandma’. I am inspired by her independence, wit and zest for life – it gives me a different outlook on aging. These are all gifts to me.

The role has taught me that no matter our age, it’s invaluable to have companions and opportunities to get outside and enjoy some nature, have a chat and a laugh over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine – Thea is partial to a glass of sauv blanc. Being a CV Volunteer throughout the pandemic has shown us how most of us crave social interactions, and how a simple coffee date or walk around the block, can really lift our spirits.

I was impressed on our second visit when Thea asked me why I was doing this (meeting with her), and if I received any money for my time with her. I could have taken this to heart and been offended. However, I realised that this was a new concept for the two of us, and friendships and trust are not built overnight. She needed to understand my motivation. I explained how I had learnt about the opportunity through work and I was very keen to get involved. I feel the fact that I was comfortable with her asking these questions and me answering honestly helped build the foundations of our friendship.

Since our first introduction we have shared many fun times together. It was maybe our third or fourth visit and Thea was expressing her gratitude, that she was really enjoying our time together and then she broke into song singing Tina Turner’s ‘You’re simply the best’. That moment I was so happy and a bit relieved to learn she was enjoying my company so much. Initially I was concerned that our age difference may be too much for us to connect, but it hasn’t been an issue. I like to think I keep her young-spirit alive. I have also recently had my first child, so my son comes along on all our outings too, providing lots of laughter.

The MS Plus CVS is such a rewarding volunteering opportunity that brings mutual companionship and fulfillment. Being available and present to another person is the best gift you can give. All you need to do is just be yourself.