Volunteer gardener wanted!

March 2, 2017

Very Special Kids are seeking a Head Gardener Volunteer to help maintain the garden and grounds of our property in Malvern.

After six dedicated years in the position, 80-year-old Reg Girvan has hung up his shovel due to a relocation to the bush. Although he’s looking forward to the peaceful surroundings in his new home town of Castella, Reg says he will certainly miss volunteering at Very Special Kids.

“The atmosphere made it very special” he said, “it was always so friendly, the staff were very helpful and welcoming and the relationships I made with the other gardeners was definitely a highlight. I would even get a cake on my birthday!”

Before he began in the position, Reg hadn’t heard of Very Special Kids nor had he met any of the other gardeners. But it didn’t take him long to settle in and fall in love with the people, the place and of course the garden.

“We wanted to help create an atmosphere in the hospice outdoor area, so that when the children came out into the garden they could play and enjoy it as much as us.”

Because of Reg and his fellow gardener’s hard work tending the roses, digging the soil and watering the plants, Very Special Kids hospice and grounds is always looking lush and inviting.

Now that Reg is moving on he encourages others with a keen green thumb to apply for the position.

“If you have a love for gardening and mixing with other people who have similar interests then there’s certainly a benefit to be gained by becoming involved.

Volunteering has certainly made me a better person and I would recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity. You’ll get a lot of pleasure of helping other people.”

The gardening team meet every Thursday morning to help maintain the Very Special Kids garden and grounds in Malvern.

View the Volunteer Gardener Position Description.

If you are interested in volunteering for children’s charity Very Special Kids, please email mail@vsk.org.au with your expression of interest.

About Very Special Kids:

Very Special Kids cares for children with life-threatening conditions by providing a children’s hospice and professional support services to families.