Sanja has been volunteering with MercyCare for five years, bringing help and dedication wherever needed.
Before volunteering, Sanja worked as an Uber driver. When she wasn’t quite ready to return to full-time work, she began exploring volunteering opportunities.
Sanja’s volunteering journey began at the Mirrabooka Community Markets, where she supported the team by helping with set-up and minding the stall. As she became more involved, she started assisting with a variety of tasks at MercyCare Mirrabooka Service Centre across the organisation, including helping with office cleaning and general support.
Over time, Sanja found her niche in helping keep the office running smoothly. Tidying and organising spaces became a key focus, from cleaning and reorganising storage rooms to watering the plants. “I’m really thankful that I was able to stay on and continue volunteering here,” she says.
These days, Sanja continues to support the team with a wide range of everyday tasks that make a big difference. She helps with jobs like watering the plants and keeping office essentials stocked and shared spaces organised.
“I enjoy being busy and helping where I can,” she says.
For Sanja, the people at MercyCare are what make the experience so special.
“Everyone here is just so nice – it’s honestly unbelievable,” she says. “The atmosphere is beautiful. Staff, clients, everyone gets along so well. I’m always surprised at how many different people work together so smoothly. It really feels like a community.”
Being part of MercyCare also gives Sanja a strong sense of purpose.
“It feels like real community service,” she explains. “MercyCare does such good work – helping young people, older people, families, everyone. There are so many courses and programs run here, and it feels good to be part of something that genuinely helps the community.”
Sanja also enjoys the social moments that bring everyone together.
“I really enjoy the celebrations – those moments make you feel appreciated and included.”
For anyone considering volunteering, Sanja has a simple message:
“Just give it a try. Volunteering can help you build confidence, meet great people and feel useful. Sometimes you come in as a volunteer, and over time you feel like part of the community – and before you know it, you’re not just helping others, you’re helping yourself too.”
