National Volunteer Week is a chance for Vinnies WA to celebrate the 3,500 volunteers in Western Australia that through their hard work and support are able to provide assistance to more than 40,000 people in need.
The theme for National Volunteer Week 2019 is “Making a world of difference” and Vinnies WA would like to acknowledge the commitment and huge impact their volunteers make in changing people’s lives.
Vinnies volunteers provide practical assistance to address the immediate needs of people in their community such as emergency relief and personalised support. On average the Vinnies call centre volunteers receives 200 calls daily from individuals seeking emergency relief assistance, with most requests being for food, furniture, clothing as well as help with bills and rent. Local volunteers are then contacted and help in given either through home visitations or by attendance at one of our support centres.
In addition to emergency relief support, they also have specialised support services and programs in which so many volunteers so generously donate their time including Vinnies shops, distribution centre operations, programs for young people and refugee and migrant service.
Vinnies Depot and shop volunteers Meryl Bosner (above left)and Maureen Birchenall (above right)find working in the Vinnies Rockingham Depot an incredibly rewarding experience.
“The good thing about it is that is gets you out of the house, you get to meet other people and you get to feel like you are giving and not just taking.” said Maureen.
“I never have a problem about getting out of bed and coming to Vinnies. It is great – even on these cold mornings,” said Meryl.
National Volunteer Week highlights the generous support of the Vinnies volunteers who strongly believe in the work they do which enables Vinnies WA to change the lives of individuals and families. It also focuses on the passion volunteers feel and the dedicated time, effort and support they devote, the impact that it has, and how they really do make a difference. To join up www.vinnies.org.au/VolunteerWA
