This National Volunteer Week, the St Vincent de Paul Society is celebrating the extraordinary contribution of its tens of thousands of volunteers while also highlighting a growing challenge – its volunteer numbers are declining and the average age is rising.
The society’s national president Mark Gaetani said National Volunteer Week, 18-24 May, gives us pause to reflect on the place of individual relationships and community involvement in our Australian way of life.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Society, but we are seeing fewer people stepping forward,” he said.
“At the same time, the need for support has never been greater. What we’ve learned is that making a difference doesn’t require a huge commitment. Just two hours a week can mean a shared meal, a meaningful conversation or a turning point for someone doing it tough.
“In less time than it takes to go see a movie, you can make a real difference in someone’s life – and your own.”
The Society relies on around 40,000 members and volunteers across Australia to provide vital support, from helping in Vinnies Shops and visiting people experiencing hardship, to serving meals and supporting homelessness and community programs.
“Volunteering reflects our inherent need for friendship and connection within and across our diverse local communities. Volunteers are part of the fabric that help bind our national social cohesion at so many local levels,” Mr Gaetani said.
Mr Gaetani said the Society’s current volunteers are feeling stretched and would welcome an influx of fresh energy and new perspectives, particularly from younger Australians.
“Even a small commitment can have a lasting impact, not just for the people we assist but for our volunteers themselves,” he said.
“As the cost of living continues to rise, more Australians are reaching out to the Society for help. That’s why we need more people to get involved, even in small ways.
To find out how to volunteer with the Society in your area visit vinnies.org.au/volunteer
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Celebrating the power and passion of volunteers (St Vincent de Paul Society)
