AFTER retiring three years ago, Josie Scaffidi decided she wanted to get more involved with the Gawler community while also helping those less fortunate, so she started volunteering for the Gawler Health Service.

Mrs Scaffidi, who moved to Gawler 29 years ago after marrying into the area, said she figured a good place to start her volunteering journey would be the Gawler Hospital.

“I started off doing the wards, where I would just ask patients if they needed a coffee, or water, or whatever they needed,” she said.

“From there I went into the indigenous program, where indigenous people would come in for a check-up every Tuesday, and the hospital supplies them with lunch, so I worked in that kitchen for a few weeks.

“Then I got told there was a vacancy on the shopping bus, so now what we do on a Wednesday is get a bus and pick up some of the ladies around Gawler, and I help them shop, get it all on the bus and unload at their houses.”

Mrs Scaffidi said while she can see her efforts are appreciated, she also gets a lot out of it herself.

“I really enjoy it,” she said.

“The ladies have company for the day, and they get to talk to people and share their stories.

“Some of them have no family, so they’re on their own, but by taking them shopping and helping them get home, you feel like ‘I did a good deed today’.”

To get involved with the Gawler Health Service, visit the Gawler Hospital and request a sign-up form, or phone the volunteer co-ordinator on 8521 2080.