Volunteer tour of Very Special Kids House

We’d like to say a very special thank you to the hospice volunteers who have stood by our side during the rebuild of Very Special Kids House. They provided invaluable support at our temporary space at Monash Children’s Hospital, and will continue to be there when we open the doors to our new home.

In appreciation of this dedication, we hosted a dinner and hospice tour to give our volunteers a sneak peek of the facility they will soon be volunteering at.

After touring the facility, we asked a few of our volunteers to share their thoughts and feelings on the new space.

What did you love about the new hospice during the tour?

“They’ve thought of everything. Each child that walks through the door will have their own favourite space – be it the playground, the pool or the sensory room. I loved the main kitchen and lounge area. There’s so much natural light and space that I know the kids are going to love! The biggest highlight for me was the new pool. I’m so excited to help get the kids in the water and create some fun memories.”

“I loved the thoughtful design, lots of natural light, loads of storage(!) and the expanded outdoor area.”

“I love how the new hospice already feels like such a welcoming space with so many wonderful facilities, such as the hydrotherapy pool.”

What part of volunteering in the new hospice are you looking forward to?

“I can’t wait to see the children enjoying their new spaces, the pool and outside play area.”

“I am looking forward to welcoming families to the new hospice and making memories there. I think the new playground will be a very popular spot!”

“I’m looking forward to recreating our amazing community atmosphere in the hospice. It’s such a special place where the kids are cared for and have heaps of fun. The new, state of the art hospice, is going to provide a much needed and appreciated space for the kids to play, feel safe and have fun.”

What do you enjoy about volunteering at Very Special Kids? 

“Volunteering at Very Special Kids has been a wonderful experience. Through volunteering at the hospice, I have been fortunate to meet some of the most incredible, resilient kids and their families. I have loved hearing their stories.”

“I enjoy feeling part of a community that values everyone. I enjoy my one-on-one time with the kids as well as holding space for them to be happy, have fun and create some memories. I’ve learnt heaps during my time at Very Special Kids and I’m excited to learn more and grow in the new hospice. I believe giving time back to the community is important and what better way to do it, than with the amazing Very Special Kids community.”

“I love simply spending time with the children, allowing them to choose an activity, game or book, and hopefully seeing a smile. I also enjoy seeing Jaffa in the hospice, interacting with the children in her own special way.”