It’s the final month in our Year of Wellbeing and this month, we’re focusing on purpose and giving. The team are looking forward to a day of volunteering and connection, and we’ve shared below how we are spending our time and energy on causes and activities close to our hearts.
Sue – Each month I spend time with two very different groups of people that remind me what really matters. I visit a 95 year old woman in aged care who has limited mobility, but she’s sharp as a tack and our chats always make us both smile. Then there’s Night Patrol with Vinnies, where we share food and chats with people doing it tough on the streets. It’s always grounding and I’m grateful to have the time for both.
Kendi – I’m the proud owner of a P&C Association of Australia life membership pin (seriously, what are you actually supposed to do with that?) after clocking up many hours over the years at meetings, running bake stalls and cooking an awful lot of sausages at school and sports events. For me those volunteering jobs were partly about supporting my kids and partly about showing gratitude for all the other people who make things happen – teachers, sports coaches, managers. My kids are done with school now so volunteering is a bit more informal – ferrying neighbours to appointments and that kind of thing. It feels good to do good.
Alex – I spent a whole month volunteering in South Africa in my early 20s, working at pet shelters across the country. Was definitely an eye opening experience and I would love to get back into volunteering with animals here in Australia!
Shereen – I’ve always believed that small acts of kindness can have a big impact. I regularly check in on my neighbours, especially the elderly; whether it’s dropping off a meal (and dessert!), lending a hand around the house or simply sitting with them for a chat when they’re feeling lonely. Over time, I’ve become the person their families call when something’s wrong, because they know I’ll show up and help however I can. I often bring my kids along too, so they can see firsthand how caring for others and offering simple gestures can brighten someone’s day.
Karen – regional areas tend to have a culture of volunteering that is central to the fabric of the community. One of my favourite memories of when we moved here was a hand-delivered note in our mailbox welcoming us to the area and inviting us to a community Christmas celebration, in a paddock on another property – giving us an immediate sense of welcome and belonging. Our beautiful community is now under threat, and I am part of a volunteer committee defending it. Other volunteer roles range from advocacy groups on government policy to judging and helping out at local equestrian events, which I thoroughly enjoy and which allows me to give back and hopefully knowledge share in an area of past experience that I am passionate about.