For David “Crawf” Crawford, volunteering at Calvary was a natural next step after retiring from his role as a security officer at the hospital.

After spending 13 years working at Calvary Lenah Valley, he quickly realised how connected he had become to the people and community around him. Not long after retiring, he returned as a volunteer, eager to continue supporting patients and visitors in a place that had become such an important part of his life.

Twice a week, Crawf can be found welcoming people in the foyer, helping visitors navigate the hospital and accompanying patients to appointments and wards. His friendly nature and deep knowledge of the hospital make him an invaluable presence.

As David Clark, Executive Assistant at Calvary Lenah Valley Hospital explains, “There is no person better equipped to be working the front foyer than Crawf. He is kind, welcoming and knows every part of the hospital backwards.”

Another colleague describes him simply but powerfully: “His presence is a beacon in the hospital.”

Meet & Greet volunteer Bill Sames also understands the importance of human connection during stressful moments.

After retiring, Bill began searching for a volunteer role where he could continue interacting with people and contributing to the community. Since joining Calvary Lenah Valley Hospital as a Meet & Greet volunteer in 2023, he has found exactly that.

Bill greets patients and visitors as they arrive, assists people in locating specialist rooms and accompanies patients through the hospital to help ease nerves before appointments or procedures.

Reflecting on the role, Bill says, “A reassuring presence can make people to feel less nervous. Helping people to navigate the hospital helps with a smooth transition at the beginning stage of their medical procedures.”

For Bill, volunteering is also personally rewarding.

“I believe you personally get back from volunteering more than you put in.”

Volunteer Kathy Duncan brings another layer of warmth and compassion to the program.

After relocating to Hobart and closing the childcare business she had run for 27 years, Kathy was searching for a meaningful way to give back to the community and reconnect with people.

Since commencing volunteering at Calvary Lenah Valley Hospital three years ago, she has embraced a range of volunteer roles, from supporting patient surveys and consumer advisory groups to helping patients connect to Wi-Fi, delivering coffee or simply spending time talking at the bedside. She also shares her love of poetry with patients, often bringing comfort and connection through conversation and storytelling.

For Kathy, volunteering is deeply personal.

“Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, it’s a privilege and an honour to assist the patients at Calvary.”

She says some of the most meaningful moments come from simply listening and being present for patients during vulnerable times.

“I like to joke and make them laugh, I love it when I hear, ‘thank you for your visit. You lit up the room when you walked in you have made my day.’ It’s all about letting them know you actively listen and you really care.”