“When I started volunteering myself, I understood straight away why Dad did it. You get more out of volunteering than you put in. It is incredibly rewarding,” Mr Bennett said.

The Bennett family has had a strong connection with Calvary Kogarah since 1997, when Andrew’s mother Amalia received end-of-life care at the hospital. “After seeing how the nurses and Sisters cared for Mum, Dad couldn’t wait to volunteer and give back to the staff that helped us.

After Mum passed away, Dad asked if he could volunteer but, they wanted him to wait 12 months and see if he still felt that way,” Mr Bennett said. “Almost one year to the day, he turned up at Calvary Kogarah and was there for 15 years.”

Mr Bennett said the changes he saw in his father when he took on the volunteering role were massive.

“We were concerned he would be lonely after Mum passed away because he didn’t have a big circle of friends but, it got to the stage that we had to book in advance to see him.

He made so many friends through Calvary Kogarah. He called them his Calvary family.” Next year, Mr Bennett will mark 13 years of volunteering at Calvary Kogarah.

He is a familiar face around the Palliative Care Unit, with his ‘jolly trolley’ packed with treats to bring a little joy to patients and their loved ones.

Calvary Kogarah Health Care Manager Volunteer Services, Zeffy Delhas, said Mr Bennett was one of about 700 individuals who give their time to volunteer at Calvary’s hospitals and aged care homes across Australia.

“Our volunteers are an important part of our hospital, and their contribution leaves a lasting impression on our patients and their loved ones,” Ms Delhas said.

“I encourage anyone considering volunteering to reach out. There are so many meaningful ways to give back, from welcoming and supporting new patients, to assisting in the rehabilitation gym, or even getting involved in one of our special projects such as the Wig Library or the Auxiliary.

“Whether you are a hairdresser who can offer a fresh style, someone willing to provide a shave, or a creative soul – your contribution can make a real difference."

To find out more about volunteering with Calvary, visit our website.

Today marks International Day of the Volunteer. Calvary Kogarah Health Care will mark the occasion next week on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, with a morning tea to thank their volunteers.