There are so many volunteers in our community who give generously of their time and hearts to worthy causes. They say that in helping others, they too are uplifted and it’s a win-win for everyone. Their sense of purpose and warmth are truly inspiring.
Georgia Cantle
The Women’s Centre Townsville
How long have you been volunteering? I began volunteering this year and aim to continue my volunteering up until the completion of my degree next year.
Why do you volunteer? I’ve always prided myself on being someone who helps others when and where I can, to be supportive of the society that I’m a part of. There’s a lovely George Eliot quote that I have in my office at home that reads ‘What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other?’. It’s something I believe in whole-heartedly. I started my volunteering specifically at the Townsville Women’s Centre due to the inspiration of a university assessment piece that posed the question ‘Can one person create a positive effect within the community?’. This lead me to think where I could make a difference. What skills did I have? Who would benefit from my time? While cutting my friend’s hair (a social worker) he suggested I use these skills to provide self-care to people who may not have the means to access it and that’s exactly what I did.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering? I love interacting with people! I really enjoy providing a service to women and children who may not have regular access to such a service. The genuine glow that the women get when they look in the mirror is so rewarding. It feels good to provide an opportunity for these women to just relax, even if it’s only for 30 minutes, to chit-chat about less serious things like the weather or a popular local upcoming event.
CONNECT NOW:
www.thewomenscentre.org.au
Josie Archer
Food Relief NQ
How long have you been volunteering? I’ve been volunteering with Food Relief NQ for two years now.
Why do you volunteer? I was a teacher originally and we did a school breakfast program three days a week, which Food Relief is a part of. The need for decent food in schools is huge and is very sad. I saw so many cases where kids were sent to school without food in their bellies and you can’t teach them like that as they struggle in class. From my time teaching I think I’ve got a good understanding of the community and what’s needed out there. Food Relief is amazing in what it does for this town and the regional centres. The agencies filter it down and get the food to the people who need it most.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering? It’s my happy place – I look forward to Thursdays. It’s a great environment with a great group of people and it’s making a real difference. With the need in the community, and especially the economic climate we are in, it makes a real difference.
CONNECT NOW:
www.foodreliefnq.org.au
Anthony Caruana (TC)
Mates4Mates
How long have you been volunteering? For Mates4Mates since 2015.
Why do you volunteer? To give back to other Mates and assist them and their families where I can.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering? The joy it brings to others and the uplifting mood it puts me in when doing so.
CONNECT NOW:
www.mates4mates.org/support-mates/fundraise-for-our-mates/