Alfred volunteer Pat celebrates her silver jubilee

Pat’s connection to The Alfred dates back to 1950 when her father was transferred to Australia for work.  Along with his new job and a brand new Holden, the family were given a temporary apartment at the Chevron residences on St Kilda Road.  The Alfred was Pat’s first Australian neighbour and some of her earliest memories are of washing her dad’s car in Alfred Lane, behind the hospital.

In 1994, Pat rather begrudgingly took an early retirement.  Quite sure the quiet life wasn’t for her she responded to an ad on the radio from The Alfred calling for volunteers.  Pat joined The Alfred Foundation team and she’s been here ever since. 

Pat manages the birthday card program and for 25 years, through the simple gesture of sending a card, Pat has provided the Foundation with the opportunity to say thank you and send our best wishes to many of our wonderful donors.  If you have received a birthday card from The Alfred chances are it was written by Pat. 

When asked about her long service Pat is humble.  “I’m fulfilled by being able to give joy to people, to be able to say thank you for what they do for The Alfred.  Some of the donors are isolated or might need a cheer up and getting a card in the mail on their birthday means someone thought of them.  I rather like it!”

The Alfred relies on hundreds of volunteers in many different areas of the hospital.  Pat is just one, but a special one for The Alfred Foundation.  Her length of service is remarkable and we are so grateful for her contribution.