Volunteering is good for everyone and for every community

Photo caption : SV-Volunteers 1-LR (L-R) Sharyn Tucker, Wendy Cocker, Jenny Gibbons.
Photo credit, M D Wells

To coincide with National Volunteer Week commencing May 15, the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) has launched a new campaign to attract volunteers to support its vital work across Tasmania. The campaign comes amid an urgent need for more volunteers to meet the growing demand for services and support in local communities.

St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania CEO, Heather Kent, said, Vinnies volunteers are the heart and soul of our organisation. They are the backbone of our work and enable us to help thousands of Tasmanians who are finding it hard to cope with life’s challenges and to make ends meet.

“The Society is incredibly grateful for the generosity of Tasmanians who have supported us over the years, both financially and by donating their time, knowledge, and compassion. We hope to attract even more volunteers to join us in our mission over the coming months," Ms Kent said.

“The St Vincent de Paul Society has been providing assistance to those in need across Tasmania for over 160 years. The organisation offers a wide range of services, including emergency relief, housing assistance, and advocacy, Loui’s and Vinnies’ Vans food services, Dining with Friends; as well as support for those experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, and social isolation.

"We know that Tasmanians are incredibly generous, and we're confident that people from across the state will be eager to help us to help others during a time of considerable challenge. Volunteering is a great way to make a positive impact, meet new people, and develop new skills. We welcome people from all walks of life to join us in our mission to support those in need.

“Volunteering with the St Vincent de Paul Society offers many benefits, including the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives, gain new skills and experience, while also meeting new people and gaining a deeper connection to the community. Volunteers can choose from a wide range of roles, including working in retail stores, providing emergency relief, assisting with fundraising, and supporting those experiencing homelessness.

“St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all volunteers. The organisation offers a comprehensive induction program, together with training and support, including ongoing opportunities for development.

“In addition to the social and personal benefits, volunteering has been shown to have positive effects on health and wellbeing. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteers report lower rates of depression and increased life satisfaction compared to non-volunteers. Volunteering can also provide physical benefits, such as increased activity levels and improved cardiovascular health through additional movement.

“Volunteering has an intrinsic way of making you feel good about yourself, which can also lead to improved mental and physical wellbeing."

"We are incredibly proud of the work our volunteers do as part of the Vinnies family. We aim to ensure that everyone who joins us feels valued and supported in finding the best volunteering role that fits with their interest. We encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch and find out more about the many opportunities available," Ms Kent added.

The Society's volunteer campaign is a call to action to all Tasmanians who want to make a positive difference in their communities. For more information on volunteering opportunities, please contact your local St Vincent de Paul Society office or visit a Vinnies store or website, www.vinnies.org.au/tas