After Cheryl Jeynes retired from running an outdoor furniture business with her husband, it would have been easy to just put her feet up.
But when she discovered Wishlist, Cheryl knew she had a higher purpose – volunteering.
Seventeen years later, Cheryl is an integral part of Wishlist’s affordable accommodation centre in Nambour, Reed House, volunteering there since it opened in 2009.
Reed House was funded and built entirely by the community, and has provided a home away from home for thousands of patients and families.
“My friend was volunteering here so I thought this was a good place to start,” Cheryl said.
“It’s really a rewarding place to work at a very welcoming place for our patients and relatives of patients.”
Over the years, Cheryl has met people from across the country who have needed at stay at Reed House.
A memory that sticks out was when a family’s caravan trip across Australia was cut short when the father had a serious stroke on the Sunshine Coast.
“He was being treated in the Nambour Hospital and his wife stayed here, and the whole family was wonderful,” Cheryl said.
“ This accommodation centre is ideal for families who want to be together, and they were here for several months.
“They were very appreciative of this place so close, right next to the hospital so that they can visit their loved one every day.”
Reed House only costs $70 per night, but if a patient qualifies for the patient travel subsidy scheme, the stay is free.
If you’re a patient receiving outpatient treatment at Nambour Hospital, or from a patient’s family and need to stay close, call 1300 009 474 to book.
