A newfound friendship at St John's in Wangaratta has revealed no matter where it begins, connection can light up even the quietest corners of our lives.

Current resident Leila Beaumont recently met new Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) member Reva Tuli and from their first visit, they chatted over cups of tea and traded colourful stories about their lives.

From Leila’s childhood growing up on a dairy farm in Mount Gambier, to Reva moving to Australia with her husband Mukul from India, the pair had plenty to discuss.

Leila recounted how she befriended magpies and galahs, raised a family, dispatched snakes with shovels and relocated from the rolling hills of South Australia to the lush green valleys of Meadow Creek to follow her two grown children in North East Victoria.

Life in Meadow Creek brought new friendships, gardens and adventures; until the time came for her to move into care at St John’s, where her warmth and stories quickly made her a favourite among residents and staff.

Reva grew up in Phagwara, in northern India, where she and her sister were lovingly raised by their grandmother, who taught them the value of kindness and the joy of giving.

Reva met Mukul and married last year in a stunning traditional Indian wedding: full of colour, dancing and joy as a true celebration of joy and family.

Looking for a way to connect with her new community in Wangaratta, Reva joined the ACVVS as a volunteer, to make connections and bring happiness into someone’s life.

This past October, Reva and Mukul brought a special celebration to St John’s: Diwali the Festival of Lights.

They arrived dressed in their traditional clothing: Reva in a shimmering Fushia-and-gold sari and Mukul in a beautiful kurta.

Together, they told the residents about Diwali’s meaning: the triumph of light over darkness and love over fear.

The room was full of colour and joy: a blend of Indian tradition and Australian spirit.

Through volunteering, Reva found another kind of love: the connection which comes from giving.

And Leila found even in later years, life can still surprise you with wonderful new friendships.

Anyone interested in volunteering can join the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme and, like Reva, help make a difference.

To find out more, call: 1300 843 236 or email: acvvs@thecentre.vic.edu.au