Meet Albert, and Shop Local this Christmas
Our wonderful volunteers are back and our lovely gift shop in Brighton is now open!
Albert has been a familiar and friendly face at Mayflower Brighton’s Gift Shop for nearly 20 years, and has loved every minute of it.
Pictured above: Albert loves volunteering at our Brighton Gift Shop, and has loved every minute of it. Here he is, holding a life-size chocolate champagne bottle - a fun gift idea for Christmas.
Albert was first introduced to Mayflower when his mother Joyce found she needed a little more support than Albert and his wife could give, and chose Mayflower Brighton as her new home.
“I started volunteering when my mother moved in here in 2003, before the renovations,” says Albert.
“My mother Joyce was 92 when she moved in, and lived to be 100. We had a special party at Mayflower for her 100th birthday.”
After Albert’s mother passed away, he soon found himself missing the team of volunteers and residents that he now considered family.
“I asked the gift shop manager, Judee, if I could keep coming in, and I still love it!”
Albert finds building connections with seniors living at Mayflower is a highlight of his week, and enjoys hearing their stories the most.
“I love to sit down and have a chat and hear resident’s stories and their history. There’s some really good stories to be told.”
Mayflower Brighton’s reputation for providing exceptional care sits well with Albert, and watching it firsthand while caring for his mother is one of the many reasons he continues to volunteer.
“I like staying involved with Mayflower – it’s a nice place to be and very well run! If I ever need care, I’ll be moving here.”
Everyone in the community is welcome to visit Mayflower Brighton Gift shop at 7 Centre Road, Brighton East.
Come and find that ‘something special’ – and support your local not-for-profit aged care home.
We’re also looking for new volunteers to help out in the new year. No experience is needed, and we have flexible shifts to suit your needs.
Please call 9591 1100 or email info@mayflower.org.au to find out more.
