Dolores celebrates an extraordinary 45 year volunteering milestone at PCH

Dolores Peverall has given 45 years of her life to supporting sick children and their families

Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) is celebrating an extraordinary milestone as long‑serving volunteer Dolores Peverall marks an incredible 45 years of dedicated service to children, families and staff.

Dolores began volunteering at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in 1979, shortly after her children started school. What began as a spontaneous decision quickly became a lifelong commitment.

“When my three children went to school I thought I needed to do something, so I went to PMH to volunteer,” Dolores said.

“At the time they had never had anyone volunteer but thought it was a good idea. So I went - and am still going.”

Her very first shift was memorable, and not without nerves.

“My first day was a little scary because I was in the emergency department,” she said.

“But once I got the hang of it, that was it – I was hooked.”

Dolores’ love for caring for children started long before she arrived at PMH.

“I have always worked with doctors and children, and I just love babies,” she said.

Over the decades, Dolores has witnessed countless moments of resilience, joy and heartbreak. Many memories remain close to her heart, including several families she became particularly close to – among them, twins born with severe cleft palate.

“We became close friends and would visit and help feed them,” she recalled.

“Today, the twins are both grown adults with children of their own.”

For Dolores, the greatest reward has been seeing children recover.

“There are so many memories to mention, mostly ending happily, and a few very sad ones,” she said.

“But when you see children through their illnesses and then see them smiling and happy, that’s beautiful.”

When Dolores first began volunteering, she was the only volunteer on site. Today, the service has grown to nearly 500 volunteers across the Child and Adolescent Health Service.

Volunteer Services Coordinator Andy Wahid said Dolores embodies the spirit of compassion and dedication that underpins the volunteer program.

“Dolores has given 45 years of her life to supporting sick children and their families,” Andy said.

“Her kindness, reliability and genuine love for what she does makes her an invaluable part of our hospital.”

The transition from PMH to PCH in 2018 marked another significant chapter in Dolores’ journey.

“It was very hard for me leaving PMH as we were all so close,” Dolores said.

“When we moved to PCH it took some time to settle. It’s a much larger hospital and you don’t always see everyone.”

As her own children grew up and started families of their own, volunteering became an even more important part of Dolores’ life.

“My personal life was becoming very quiet, but still I had the drive to keep coming to the hospital,” she said.

“I feel it has kept me going, happy and full of beans. I’ve made some wonderful friends, and I’ll keep coming for as long as I can.”

Over the years, Dolores has received numerous awards, certificates and badges recognising her service including treasured pieces of jewellery marking her milestones.
Andy said Dolores’ impact extends well beyond her volunteer hours.

“Her warmth and presence brighten the hospital,” he said.

“Families remember her, staff value her, and new volunteers look up to her. We are incredibly grateful for everything she has contributed over the last 45 years.”

After 45 years, Dolores continues to return to PCH with the same enthusiasm she felt in 1979 – a remarkable testament to her generosity and spirit of service.

All of us at PCH extend our heartfelt thanks to Dolores for her extraordinary 45 years of service and for the immeasurable difference she continues to make in the lives of children and families.