Introducing Sonia, a recent addition to our team, who brings her passion for family, travel, and house renovations to our mission. She now helps us in uniting lonely or isolated seniors with volunteers, fostering friendships that take them on unique and memorable paths.
What is your name?
Sonia Withers
What is your current role?
Volunteer Coordinator for the In Great Company team
How long have you been in this role?
I have been working with In Great Company since January and have been awed by the work they, and now I, do too. I have been working with Feros Care for 6 years and have always enjoyed helping our seniors to live their best lives.
The In Great Company program brings so much to our lonely or isolated clients who just need a friendly volunteer visit for a chat and a cuppa—the beginning of what often becomes such beautiful friendships.
Tell us about your background?
I have lived on the Gold Coast since I was 13, moving up from Sydney with my parents and siblings. My Dad was a Butcher by trade, but my parents were talented in buying homes, renovating, and selling. I think we moved 17 times growing up. But we were always around the same area, so not changing schools.
I have also travelled a great deal with my family and, as a young adult, by myself with friends to Cape York, America, Mexico, Europe, Bali, and Vanuatu.
I met my husband, Snowy, when I was 29, and we were married 4 years later. Then we had our first son Ryan in 2005, our second son Rory in 2006, and our third son Brock in 2008. So, a hectic start to our lives together with 3 boys under 3. I have my parent’s blood in me, and we have followed in their footsteps and have enjoyed building homes and moving on to the next. We live in the beautiful Currumbin Valley with the boys, now aged 18, 17, and 15. We are in a dual-living residence with my parents, whom my boys adore, and Ma and Pa love the comings and goings of a busy household.
Tell us about the most recent exciting trip!
Our last big trip to Singapore and Bintan Island was about 5 years ago. We traveled with our family of 5, my parents and my husband’s Mum. Singapore was a busy 5 days of exploring and taking in all the tourist sites. Bintan Island Club Med was incredible, we had so much to do, but we also spent time chilling out. The boys loved the Aerial Acrobatic Classes daily, and we all joined in with golf, squash, kayaking, and swimming and loved the nightly entertainment and delicious food from around the world. We would love to do another Club Med holiday sometime.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Family time is my biggest interest, and we are kept very busy watching the boys play AFL each weekend. We all love camping and have progressed from tents to camper trailers, pop tops, caravans, and now back to a tent and swags for the boys – our camping accommodation is still up for debate!
Music is also high on the interest list. We love a going to concerts and the Gympie Muster.
What attracted you to Feros Care/In Great Company?
I first joined Feros Care as wanting to know more about how our elderly are looked after and to become a part of their journey. I have been lucky enough to have worked in various company areas and have enjoyed guiding clients to receive the best services to assist them in their everyday lives.
I am passionate about the In Great Company volunteer program and our commitment to the power of social connection by helping older people live their best lives by providing them with friendship and companionship.
What is the most satisfying part of your role?
I find immense fulfilment in helping connect lonely or isolated older individuals with friendly visitors and witnessing the beautiful growth of their friendships as they journey together. Being a part of such a dedicated and passionate team really makes coming to work enjoyable.
How valuable do you believe the In Great Company Volunteer service is?
This is a Lifechanging Service! Our Clients and Volunteers benefit from the social interaction and friendships gained, so it is a Win-Win. We also benefit from all the feel-good stories we hear from our matches.