health
by Saba R. Malik
Volunteering Rewards
Every Wednesday at approximately midday I make my way to the Lady Williams’ Cancer Research Centre to volunteer to help out. It is an aspect of my week I look forward to and although, admittedly, the thought of giving it a miss now and again due to laziness does cross my mind, instead I happily set out every week, a decision I never regret.
Left to right : Laura Netto, Alisha Harper, Saba Malik, Karissa Pizzarello, Guila Mouyal Vaz, Maxine Robba, Grace Culatto
As I walk through the doors of the Lady Williams centre, I am greeted with smiles, Helen White’s chirpy ‘Hello!’, and a series of warm hugs and kisses. At once I feel so loved! My first stop is the kitchen which seems to be one of several hotspots within the centre. I am welcomed by the hunger-inducing scent of freshly cooked meals and, again, hugs and kisses… More love! If I had to choose a favourite part of the centre, it would probably be the kitchen, simply because it is where the weekly catch-up occurs and where the most fascinating, historical stories are told. The kitchen is particularly busy during lunchtime with pots of soup and meals going out and dishes coming in. These tasks are simultaneously and harmoniously carried out by the volunteers as each person takes on their role of the week, collaborating to make the overall process very efficient indeed. Moving into the dining area, it is no less busy with the distribution of plates of steaming food, the usual banter and, of course, laughter — all contributing to the friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Lunch is accompanied by the discussion of serious issues but more often than that, hilarious story- and joke-telling which puts a smile on the face of everyone at the centre. As a volunteer, I particularly ap-
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2010
preciate this unique, light-hearted gathering as it never fails to heighten my spirits, observing volunteers and patients enjoying one another’s company. The scene could fool any outsider into believing are an overdue family reunion, and that isn’t far from the truth as the patients, volunteers and therapists form an undeniably close-knit family.
With the tables cleared, the dishwasher loaded and smiles of satisfaction evident on everyone’s faces, the centre returns to tranquillity. The volunteers work until everything is in its place again before spending time with the patients. Meanwhile, the therapists resume their daily dedication to provide comfort for the patients whether via a chat or therapeutically. I can highly recommend the hand massages, a technique I recently learned at the centre. Before I am ready to leave, I say my goodbyes, which means another round of heartfelt hugs and kisses accompanied by hopes of seeing each other again the following week to relive the hectic, enlightening experience. On a final note, visiting the centre is sincerely rejuvenating as the atmosphere is so positive and, despite only being a volunteer for eight months, personal experience has proved that it is a place where good news is so well received and celebrated by such caring people who express true happiness for you. It is no wonder I always leave with a smile on my face. ■
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