NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK, 11-17 MAY 2009
‘Everyday people, extraordinary contribution‘.
National Volunteer Week is fast approaching. It’s a special time for Mission Australia and our incredible volunteers throughout the country. It’s during this week that we really take the time to reflect on all the work our volunteers do and acknowledge their efforts. This year’s theme is ‘Everyday people, extraordinary contribution‘.
The theme carries the message that everyone has something of value to offer and that every volunteer’s contribution, no matter how big or small, is extraordinary because they care enough to be a volunteer.
The theme acknowledges the enormous contribution of volunteers and the value of volunteering. Some of our services wouldn’t be able to run without the help from volunteers; the Home Tutor Scheme and Illawarra Big Heart Enterprise are prime examples of this.
We look forward to celebrating, thanking and recognising all of our exceptional volunteers during this special week.
Back to top |
 |
AMP FOUNDATION 
AMP Volunteers prepared a great BBQfor the clients and staff at The Mission Australia Centre and for our Western Sydney Support Services. The dedication displayed by the volunteers of AMP, a compassionate group of people, was overwhelming.
A highlight of the day was when AMP’s CEO swapped his office chair for a chef’s hat to volunteer with 10 employees from Personal Wealth Management at one of the community barbeques for Mission Australia.
One visitor commented, “It was just like being at a barbeque with the extended family, but without the beer.”
Back to top |
|
VODAFONE FOUNDATION
Vodafone volunteers took out some clients from the Newly Arrived Youth Support Service (NAYSS) giving them an opportunity to experience one of Sydney’s great attractions;
the Sydney Skywalk.
The staff and the clients were extremely grateful to the volunteers for their support and were really enjoyed their sensitive and laid back
attitudes.
Back to top |
|
HUSH FOR HOMELESSNESS
Have you ever wanted to take time out of your day and not speak to you anyone?
 Well now’s your chance! HUSH for Homelessness is an online fundraising event for Mission Australia. HUSH for Homelessness symbolises the 'invisible' and 'voiceless' lives that homeless Australians lead.
Mission Australia challenges you to experience what it’s like to be voiceless, by not speaking for an hour (or more!) on Friday 15 May 2009; and to seek sponsorship for your silence. Visit the website www.hushforhomelessness.com.au now and register yourself or a friend to take part in HUSH for Homelessness.
Back to top |
|
|
COMMUNITY SERVICES VOLUNTEERING - MISSION AUSTRALIA, LAUNCESTON
One of our wonderful volunteers, Elizabeth Davis, is volunteering with Community Services in Launceston.
Elizabeth was interested in volunteer work as a way to engage with the community. She has found this volunteer role with Mission Australia to be interesting, challenging and rewarding. She has also met a diverse range of people.
As a result of her involvement with Mission Australia, Elizabeth’s skills, knowledge and confidence have increased. She is happy with her volunteer experience and enjoys the ongoing learning she gets from working with Mission Australia.
Community Services Launceston would like to thank Elizabeth for all her hard work and the commitment she has given to her volunteer role.
Back to top |
|
MISSION AUSTRALIA CENTRE VOLUNTEERING –TEACHING COMPUTER LITERACY
I was showing an elderly participant at the MAC Centre how to send an email, as we were working on this, her daughter arrived to pick her up and was waiting for her.
I asked the daughter for her email address and she promptly gave it to me.
Despite the doubt of the client that she could in fact do it we managed to send her daughter a short email.
While the daughter was waiting for her mother to pack up, she received an email on her mobile phone, opened it, found it was from her mother and her eyes began to well up with tears.
The Mother could not believe that she received the message so fast, so we showed her. I hope that this brings to our participant the realisation that she can in fact interact with Information Technology.
We still have a long way to go, but we are taking our first steps.
Back to top
|
|
|
