12–18 May is National Volunteer Week—our chance to honour the amazing contribution made by the 400+ people who donate their time, skills and enthusiasm to the RCH.

Each week, over 50 of those volunteers support our Play Therapy team in our specialist clinic waiting rooms.

While an RCH Play Therapist supports patients in clinical settings, volunteers join kids while they wait for their appointments—craftmaking, drawing, solving puzzles or simply playing and chatting; a slice of escapism for sick kids and sweet relief for strained parents.

Pictured L-R: Play therapist volunteers Margaret Lane, Kezia Hallam, Grace Nixon, Netasha Gibson and Rachel Melhem.

Grace Nixon

When a busy uni student donates time that could be spent studying, socializing or working for rent, she usually has a story. Grace was a RCH kid herself, diagnosed with MS at 16 and treated at the hospital. Now a psychology student at Melbourne University, she volunteers in specialist clinics on Tuesday afternoons.

‘It’s a great distraction for the kids and parents,’ Grace says. ‘Time spent here can be very stressful for parents, and our work relieves them of the extra effort of keeping their kids entertained.’

While Grace gives her time for free, she doesn’t leave her volunteer shifts empty-handed.

‘It’s such a rewarding experience. I get to help out, I have fun, and the kids are so inspirational. Recently, a little boy with cancer made a joke about his bald head—watching how they cope with what they’re going through, and how happily they play, that really inspires me.’

Netasha Gibson

‘My brother was treated her once. The RCH has done a lot for my family, and I thought it’d be great to give something back.’

It’s been over a year since optometry student Netasha signed up as a volunteer. Since then, she’s played with endless children, pasted countless shapes and coloured with every hue— and loved every minute of it.

‘Spending time with the little ones is heaps of fun,’ she says. ‘It takes their minds off things…it even takes my mind of things!’

‘It’s a great opportunity to meet people from the community, and to give something back. Plus I learn a lot, too,’ she says. ‘I would definitely recommend it.’

To Netahsa’s delight, many kids rush right back to her after their appointments, eager to keep hanging with their new playmate.

Kezia Hallam

Kezia never considered herself a natural with children. ‘Before I came here, I found it challenging to interact with kids unless they’d already expressed interest in what I was doing,’ she admits.

However, her volunteer training has put those fears to rest. Today is her first day of volunteering, and she’s bursting with enthusiasm. ‘I’ve learned if I just have some colourful books out and a smile, they’ll come right away and start enjoying themselves!’

Kezia came to the RCH after volunteering in India for her gap year. Having caught the volunteering bug, she sought worthy local causes to support. ‘I had a few friends stay at RCH for treatment and I had a chance to see the services—I thought they were really cool. My friends really enjoyed spending time with the volunteers, so I thought this would be something I’d like to get involved with.’

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Volunteers are a vital part of our RCH community, and we cannot thank them enough for their wonderful efforts. Click here for information on becoming an RCH volunteer.