From big hearts to big smiles
Before the sun rises two extraordinary men prepare for the day ahead. Showing a unique breed of dedication, John Chu and Denis Morris wake, while Sydney still sleeps, and make their way to the Mater. Without pay or fanfare the two veteran volunteers, John and Denis, set about their rounds of the Hospital, visiting each and every patient to deliver newspapers. Within three hours the 'paper men' call into 180 patients.
In order to provide a seven day service they carefully plan and coordinate their roster days. Should either John or Denis be unavailable the other will cover, ensuring patients never miss out on the delivery of newspapers.
'We are here for the people, the patients, and won't let the Hospital down. If I am sick I ring John at 5 am and ask him to cover and if John can't do it I will cover for him,' says Denis.
Integral to the Mater, John and Denis work together as a team clocking up around 30 hours a week.
Both there out of the eagerness to support the patients, Denis explains simply 'You say good morning, crack a joke and then you go. I want to leave the patient with a smile on their face.' The ex National Serviceman knows people from across NSW and finds the question 'Where are you from?' as a great conversation starter.
A veteran, volunteering at the Mater 13 years, John originally felt compelled to contribute to the Hospital in a meaningful way after being struck by the quality of care during his time as a Mater patient, 'I wanted to go to the Mater because of what the staff had done for me.' As John spent more time volunteering he evolved into the role and started to learn more. These days though, John views his volunteering as more of a two way street, as he feels an innate sense of healing when he's there, even when he arrives feeling under the weather, 'As soon as I walk into that place I am OK.'
'John and Denis are just two of the inspirational band of volunteers who work across St Vincents & Mater Health Sydney (SV&MHS). Their big hearts, endless compassion and contribution to our community go a long way in supporting and extending the work of SV&MHS.
Without the devotion of our volunteers, our facilities would simply not be what they are today,' states Mark Hales, Director of Mission and Corporate Relations, SV&MHS.
