National Volunteer Week (15-21 May 2023) recognises the vital support volunteers provide to their communities and encourages people to consider volunteering.
In Stonnington, approximately 16 per cent of the population are volunteers. That is 15,000 community members who dedicate their time, skills and friendship to enrich someone’s life.
This year’s National Volunteer Week theme is The Change Makers.
The Change Makers theme celebrates the powerful impact volunteers make in supporting individuals and communities.
What is a change maker?
Volunteers are change makers! They:
- drive social change
- turn their passions into purpose
- give their time to make a difference.
Not-for-profit organisations such as Jo Care rely solely on volunteers to support their community outreach and technical programs. Each week, approximately 50 volunteers show up to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable and isolated people living in Stonnington.
Jo Care volunteer and change maker, Ruth, said it’s about getting together and helping each other out.
“Most certainly, it’s something that helps you grow; you learn things that you didn’t know, qualities within yourself that you haven’t discovered before and brings you great joy to the people you’re helping as well as great joy to yourself,” said Ruth
Volunteers reach out to the community by visiting people in their homes. They develop relationships and befriend people who otherwise would be alone. The technical program runs weekly, with dedicated volunteers who help older people gain confidence in using smart phones and tablets.
They do this so that people feel valued and socially connected.
For Remi and Reece, (family of a volunteer visitor recipient) the estimation of their father’s volunteer could not be greater. “It’s totally enriched Dad’s life which makes caring for him much better for us because it gives us a much better time as a family,” they said.
National Volunteer Week is a reminder that we need more volunteers to reach further into our community to support those who need it most.
Whether volunteering for a community organisation or visiting someone who is socially isolated brings our community together creating a more resilient and caring community.
Learn more
If you are interested in volunteering, run a community group using volunteers or are part of a Volunteer Support agency, check out the Volunteer Stonnington
