The need for volunteers

There is no doubt that without the endless hours put in by the millions of volunteers around Australia, many groups would struggle to provide their valuable services. Catholic organisations are no exception.

For example, Vinnie’s food services rely heavily on volunteers to prepare and serve the much-needed meals for those who are doing it tough in the community. The meals provided by soup kitchens and centres for those experiencing homelessness are also only possible because of the efforts of volunteers.

Organisations such as Caritas Australia, the Knights of the Southern Cross, Palms Australia and ACRATH are some of the others that depend on volunteers for support. 

And don’t forget those who volunteer in the op shops, crisis centres, in conferences and at the local parish level in myriad roles. They are the unsung heroes who don’t look for accolades but gladly give of their time to make the lives of others better. For some, it is also a tangible way of living their Catholic faith. 

So, when the opportunity arose almost two years ago for me to volunteer on a regular basis at a local op shop, I decided to give it a go.

I must admit that I didn’t yearn to go down this path. For me, retirement was always going to be a time to focus on me. I was going to look after my health, get fit and pursue hobbies that I previously couldn’t fit into my schedule.

Volunteering, however, has been so much more fulfilling. It has forced me to look outwards, beyond myself, and to be aware of the needs of others. It has been a good reminder of what is truly important in life.

Being a volunteer means you are not getting paid and to me that should mean less stress. But the thought of using a cash register and EPTOS machine gave me heart palpitations. I shouldn’t have worried. For starters, the people I ‘work’ with are amazing. Funny, compassionate, dedicated to the cause and always willing to help a ‘newbie’.

Then there are the customers who you meet in the shop. I’ve come to know the ‘regulars’ who are genuinely in need of clothing and household goods that fit within their budget; others are motivated by the desire to recycle and stop the pressure on landfill; while a few are looking for good brands they can on-sell. 

The pandemic had a big impact on volunteer numbers declining as some older people decided not to return to their roles. That factor, coupled with the increased demand on services due to cost of living pressures, means now is the perfect time to put your hand up.

It is not everyone’s cup of tea but if you have some spare time why not at least give it a go? Like me, you may find it one of the most rewarding things you do each week. It can change your perspective on life and give you a better understanding on the needs within your community.

We encourage you to share and use this material on your own website. However, when using materials from Majellan Media’s website, please include the following in your citation:  Sourced from www.majellan.media