Otago Girls’ High School Year 12 student, Tamsyn Lawrence, wasn’t in the classroom for the first week of April.
Instead, Tamsyn was undertaking work experience, with three days that week spent at Presbyterian Support Otago, and the other two days at the University of Otago.
Tamsyn decided to approach Presbyterian Support Otago for work experience because Otago Girls’ High had prepared items for our foodbank in past years. Her grandmother, Kathryn Cunningham, also regularly volunteers in one of our charity shops.
Tamsyn experienced the range of our services during the week. Monday was
spent assisting the Stepping Stones programme in South Dunedin; one day included working at St Andrews Enliven Care Home in Dunedin; and Friday found Tamsyn assisting the Family Works foodbank in the Support Centre.
“I think it’s important to help others. This week I’ve discovered that lots of people need help for lots of different reasons,” said Tamsyn.
“I really enjoyed my time at St Andrews. I particularly enjoyed seeing some of the residents with pets, and the enjoyment they get from the animals.”
Those who worked with Tamsyn were very impressed. Sue Lousley, St Andrews Enliven Care Home Activity Coordinator, said, “Tamsyn was just perfect at St Andrews. I was impressed with her natural ability to communicate with the residents. They responded well to her and she spent the morning chatting, doing hand massages, looking at magazines, feeding the chooks, and many other tasks. It was a win-win for everyone”.
Thank you, Tamsyn, for supporting us!