During National Volunteers Week, taking place from 18-24 May, we’re celebrating the many special people who give up their time to help our cause.
People like Amy and Mark Tay, who have been giving back to their community more than 20 years.
The pair are proud volunteers with The Hospital Research Foundation Group, having started their volunteering journey after Amy was diagnosed with two chronic autoimmune conditions almost 22 years ago.
In 2004, Amy was diagnosed with scleroderma, which affects the body’s connective tissue, overlapping with Sjögren’s Disease, which limits the production of saliva and tears and causes skin dryness, at 54 years old.
After receiving treatment at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Amy’s rheumatologist, Dr Susanna Proudman, suggested she try volunteering.
“So I said why not, she helped me a lot and I wanted to share that,” she said.
“I’m very grateful for the doctors that treated me; they gave me privileges and opportunities. I feel so supportive and helpful, so I thought why not give back whatever I can.”
During their two decades of volunteering, Amy and Mark have been everywhere and done almost everything, whether that’s packing information packs or updating supporter information or even volunteering at Kidsflix.
First joining when The Hospital Research Foundation Group – Arthritis (then known as Arthritis SA) was located at Glen Osmond, the pair followed when the offices shifted to Richmond, then Marleston, and finally Welland.
Now aged in their late 70s and early 80s, the pair have no plans on slowing down.
“I get a lot of benefit by helping others, it gives me inner peace. Peace must be from yourself, then you can give it out to others,” Amy said.
“It is a privilege to volunteer with The Hospital Research Foundation Group.”
This year’s theme is ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, which honours the contributions of volunteers around the country and invites people across Australia to make 2026 a year of meaningful involvement.
If you are interested in volunteering with The Hospital Research Foundation Group, head to hospitalresearch.org.au/about-us/work-with-us.
