Buzzing with excitement, 30 of our proud volunteers from Chung Wah Community Care (Chung Wah CC) gathered on the 9th of December at the Chung Wah HQ in Northbridge to celebrate International Volunteers Day (IVD), also known as "Thank A Volunteer Day" in Western Australia (WA). The venue is no ordinary place! It was the very spot where the first generation of Chung Wah volunteers had embarked on their journey of selfless service over a century ago.
The heritage building, proudly standing on James Street for more than 110 years, held the memories of countless volunteers who had dedicated their time to making a difference in the lives of others. It was the only heritage building in Perth that had remained steadfast, never changing hands from its inception.
Mrs Theresa Kwok, the CEO of Chung Wah CC, welcomed the volunteers with warmth and gratitude. In her opening address, she expressed deep appreciation for the selfless contributions of the volunteers, acknowledging their pivotal role in making Chung Wah CC a leading aged care provider in Perth's culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
Against the backdrop of the historic setting, Theresa shared the rich history of Chung Wah. Established in 1909 to support Asian migrants in overcoming cultural and language barriers as they made Australia their new home, the organisation's focus shifted over the years. With migrants bringing older family members to Australia, the need for aged care became apparent. Chung Wah CC was born in 1984 to provide essential services to seniors from non-English-speaking backgrounds. The growth from a small team to over 150 staff highlighted the organisation's commitment to its mission.
Theresa also emphasised the importance of flexibility and adaptability for all, especially the seniors, as the world continued to evolve. Volunteers were urged to become ambassadors of Chung Wah CC, sharing its success stories with their communities, attracting new volunteers, and preserving the organisation's rich heritage.
To top off an incredible event, each participant received a certificate of appreciation from WA's Department of Communities, recognising their selfless contributions to the community. The certificates were a token of gratitude for the dedication and hard work that these volunteers had invested over the years.
The festivities continued with a delicious dim sum lunch, bringing everyone together over shared meals and laughter. Following the hearty feast, the volunteers embarked on a tour of the Perth Mint, another historical landmark that added to the day's cultural experience.
As the day concluded, the volunteers left with a sense of fulfilment, proud of their roles in continuing the legacy of Chung Wah CC. The gathering not only celebrated International Volunteers Day but also served as a reminder of the enduring impact that volunteering can have on individuals and communities.
