The 92-year-old volunteer giving back to the community – find out how you can too
Colin Apelt, awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2004, is one of the volunteers at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Brisbane.
In fact, the 92-year-old is one of six volunteer Happy Hour Companions, who provide a chat and a nightly tipple at the palliative care ward of the private hospital.
If his name or face rings a bell, it is because Colin was featured on ABC TV News and its social media channels over Easter.
By Monday morning, the ABC Instagram story had been seen by nearly 400,000 people, over 100,000 on Facebook and the ABC TV News digital page had attracted over 35,000 views.
Even Federal Minister for Aged Care and Sport, Anika Wells, shared the story to her @anikawellsmp page, commenting “Good on you, Colin."
St Vincent's provided a sample of the comments, some of which came from former students of the University of Queensland Engineering Professor and from families of former palliative care patients:
- “My Dad was in palliative care here and for him, this service made a huge difference to his last days. It was something he looked forward to. Thank you.” MichelleUptonTheAuthor
- “Colin came into my life as we said goodbye to my Dad at St Vincent’s. It was such a lovely gift he gave us. Thank you Colin xx.” Kittkatt_McDee
- “I had the privilege of meeting Colin while my sister was in palliative care in January. One of many beautifully compassionate people at St Vincent’s.” Marie-Claire Grady, Brisbane
- “Great story St Vincent’s - I watched it on ABC over here… inspirational.” Brett Free (Hong Kong)
- “Just when I thought I couldn’t love St Vincent’s more.” MelanielhBarbier
- “Lovely Colin also gave my Mum a tipple or two of Bailey’s when she was there. She really enjoyed them.” Louise Vasta
- “He has grasped the meaning of life. Go Colin.” Schnitz04
- “Some people have an overflow of compassion, they are our real heroes.” Adrian Ashenden
St Vincent’s Private Hospital Volunteers Coordinator (Northside Hospital) Sharyn Smith said it was truly heartwarming to see the outpouring of affection, admiration and recognition for Colin and the St Vincent’s volunteers.
“Colin’s one of six volunteers who provides the palliative care service and they all do an amazing job providing companionship and a little daily treat to our patients who are at a vulnerable and isolating time in their lives, although we have over 100 volunteers in total,” said Sharyn.
“On their rounds, it’s a ‘visit with a purpose’ and it can help to get patients talking sometimes when you come to their room for a reason other than to see if they feel like company or like talking. We find the drinks trolley is often a good conversation starter, whether they just want a fruit juice or something like a Baileys and ice.
“Our volunteers have good people skills and they’re genuinely interested in connecting to the patients and hearing their stories, if they wish to share it. Our volunteers get inspired by them so it’s a positive outcome for everyone.”
To find out more about how to become a St Vincent’s Private Hospital volunteer, visit here. Or enquire with the national peak body, Volunteering Australia. Click here.
