Q&A with Community Care Van Volunteer, Paul Bettar
Paul and the Order of Malta Community Care Van
In the July 2015 Newsletter we reported a new project – the NSW Branch Community Care Van. The project has been sunning since June and provides healthcare and the Order’s Coats for the Homeless to Sydney’s poor, sick and homeless on a weekly basis.
Regular volunteer, Paul Bettar, provides some insight in the project.
Q: How did you learn about the volunteer program?
A: I was Introduced to the program by a Member of the Order – Dunstan De Souza
Q: Why did it interest you?
A: For me personally it was a great opportunity to be at the coal face helping people. Volunteering to assist with this program was a realistic experience, highlighting the basic things that we take for granted daily, such as security of a home, sharing a meal with family, having facilities to maintain hygiene etc. We all donate to good causes but participating in this program is more than just making a monetary donation.
Q: Describe what a Community Care Van ‘run’ involves.
A: The run commences at St Vincent’s Hospital. All Volunteers meet at the Van (St Vincent’s Car Park) and together with one of the Nurses from St Vincent’s we leave the Hospital generally by 5.15pm. Each week will be to different locations; Central Station, Belmore Park, Wentworth Park etc…The aim is to visit different locations each week. The “Run” usually will be finished by 7.00pm.
Q: Has anything in particular surprised you about the runs?
A: It really hasn’t taken long for the people to recognise the Order. The most interesting thing I found is those that had their own jackets declined our offer (didn’t take a jacket because they were free) and how very thankful those that took the jackets were….What we offer does go a long way.
L to R: Volunteer Paul Bettar, Nurse, Erin Longbottom and Member of the Order, Dunstan de Souza
If you are interested in learning more about being a volunteer driver for the Community Care Van, please email info@smom.org.au
The Community Care Van will also run through spring and summer. In will continue to provide healthcare from a qualified Nurse and will offer the homeless sun protection items and water.
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