Meet Robert!

This Volunteers Week we celebrate all those who volunteer and give their time to others. Volunteers are at the heart of ExtraCare and your continued support is a true inspiration.

We spoke to Robert Passco, 75, of Stoke Gifford Village.

“I am a resident and a volunteer. I have been a resident for 3 years 5 months and I have been volunteering for 2 ½ years only missing 16 weeks due to covid.

I became a volunteer because I had spent 50 years in management in my career. When I retired, I knew I needed to keep my brain ticking over. I watched other volunteers and told myself I could do that as I was always good with customer contact.

Volunteering is very important. I volunteer as a tour guide and help the sales department with showing people around. Potential residents like to meet the residents that know all about the village and that’s me! I also meet people that call at reception and help sort out any queries.

My favourite thing about volunteering is meeting people and talking about the village it’s great to know I have not lost my charm.

I am always trying to get residents to join the volunteers. With everyone on board the village can’t help but thrive! One of the jobs I have given myself is to get more residents involved in volunteering, this is a great a way to get people out into the village and meeting people.”