written by Julie Cadwallender (Community Connector)
Every month I get the pleasure of presenting the Volunteer of the Month award to a wonderful volunteer in our community. I can tell you now, it is a hard job choosing when we have so many out there and all these wonderful nominations. But, it is such an honour to go out and meet another superstar each month.
Without further ado....meet Marilyn Colquhoun, our Volunteer of the Month for December.
Marrilyn has been volunteering at the Cancer Society Marlborough for just over 10 years. While volunteering isn't a new thing for her, having volunteered all her life, including St. John Ambulance in the North Island, she still loves what she does.
Walking into Cancer Society Marlborough, I was greeted by the amazing, bubbly Hilary - the Volunteer Manager of the last 15 years. I was also greeted by another smiling face - Marrilyn. She has the same bubbly, welcoming, calming feel about her as Hilary, and you feel like you've known her forever. When I explained who I was and that she was getting the Volunteer of the Month award for December, she was incredibly surprised, blown away, and so very humble.
Hilary says they are the lucky ones to have Marrilyn there helping out and says, "Personally, I couldn't do the work I do without her. She is my right hand throughout the year, and I am grateful to have her in my corner, as it enables us to do the work we do!".
When Marrilyn is volunteer at Cancer Society, she supports the running of the office by greeting visitors who could be patients, family, donors, or other volunteers. She answers the phone and triages calls appropriately, helps staff wherever and however they need it, and assists with preparation for events. Hilary appreciates all that Marrilyn does for them and says, "Her can-do attitude is contagious, and she brings a wealth of experience. Marrilyn goes above and beyond at all times, and lives & breathes the important work we do, just like us!".
Marrilyn herself is a very humble lady who sees her volunteering as something she just does and told me, "in a way, it's almost selfish. I feel like I'm the one receiving and not giving", and that it's not always about what you can give but what you receive too. Although volunteering is something she's always done, having been through cancer herself she wanted to give back some of what she had received from the Cancer Society. She has so much empathy and support to give, and it shines through with her kind, caring nature.
I asked Marrilyn how she feels her volunteer work impacts the community. She replied, "we work as a team, so it's not individual. I like to think I contribute to the team to help others and be supportive to the staff." Marrilyn sees her role as having empathy with clients in their stressful and tough journeys, being a listening ear, helping with support and resources, and even being in the office if staff are offsite - all very important and impactful tasks.
Marrilyn had a few parting words for me - "If you're thinking about volunteering, don't just think about it, just do it! It's so rewarding." She absolutely adores her role at the Cancer Society, and it shows on her face and in her conversations. She added, "I would like to thank the staff here for the work they do in the community, and for welcoming me with open arms, showing us volunteers so much appreciation. We're like family here."
It was my absolute pleasure to come and have a cup of tea and chat with you about your volunteering and journey, Marrilyn. You are a true inspiration and such an incredible person to help so many people and their families in our community. Thank you for all of your hard work and congratulations on being December's Volunteer of the Month!
Keen to give volunteering a go? Curious about where you can share your existing skills and experience, or build new ones? Get in touch with our team at Volunteer Marlborough on 03-577-9388, email vm@volunteermarlborough.org.nz or view current roles on our website
Thank you to New World Blenheim for sponsoring our Volunteer of the Month Award!
