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.
Lynda Adams
sands (miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death support)
How long have you been volunteering? Eleven years.
Why do you volunteer? Over a period of four dark years I lost six babies to miscarriage. I felt alone. I felt that I was the only woman in the world going through this incredible pain and loss. In finding sands I realised I was not alone. I approached sands with an idea to start The Walk to Remember to support other families going through the pain of losing their baby. For other Townsville families who may also feel alone. Thankfully, 11 years later, The Walk to Remember is now helping families throughout Australia every October as we come together to support each other during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering? Knowing that I’ve made a difference by offering support to families in need. By starting the Walk to Remember in Australia it gives me so much pride and happiness knowing this day helps so many families. Offering the gift of support, of understanding, of love and of ensuring they know they are not alone is the most rewarding experience.
CONNECT NOW:
www.sandstownsville.org
24-hour support:
1300 0 sands (1300 072 637)
Gary Orford
Townsville Multicultural Support Group (TMSG)
How long have you been volunteering? Since mid-2015.
Why do you volunteer? Essentially because I have the time and I believe that refugees and migrants offer so much to our community. I also volunteer as an English language tutor at TAFE under the Adult Migrant English Program. Any assistance that I can provide to make the individual’s or family’s life better is very satisfying at that level, but by assisting Case Managers and teachers it allows them to devote more direct time to those they are supporting.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering? Seeing people from sometimes devastating circumstances develop into functioning members of our community. It was particularly great to see refugees (from many countries and religious backgrounds) participating and thoroughly enjoying a ’conga line’ dance at a TMSG Christmas function and then also singing Christmas carols.
CONNECT NOW:
tmsg.org.au
Gabrielle Whittaker
St Vincent de Paul
How long have you been volunteering? I’ve been a part of Vinnies’ Christmas hamper packing for several years but have only been heavily involved in the society for the past two years.
Why do you volunteer? For the sense of community that comes from being involved in a group like Vinnies as well as the opportunity to meet a wide range of people from different cultures and backgrounds. Knowing that you’re helping someone in need, with no strings attached, is extremely rewarding.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering? Within our Vinnies’ youth group we do a lot of our work with children through our ‘Buddies Day’ program, which aims to alleviate the stress of any problems in the children’s lives with a fun day full of activities and laughter. I believe there’s no better feeling than sharing in the innocence of a child’s laughter. That’s what I enjoy most. Second to that, the incredible people you meet who are so devoted to doing good works in the community. They radiate inspiration to young people like me that encourages me to do more.
CONNECT NOW:
www.vinnies.org.au/donate