Is it ironic an annual celebration of unpaid labour has been rescheduled to avoid a clash with an event all about money?
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National Volunteer Week, which ends on Sunday, used to be earlier in May, however now no longer overlaps with the federal budget.
But as research indicates volunteering yields a 450 per cent return for every dollar invested, an estimated annual contribution of $290 billion nationally, its economic impact is not nothing.
Wodonga Council’s second annual Volunteers Fair on Saturday will honour the people who donate their time to keep communities running.
Wodonga mayor Anna Speedie said Bonegilla Migrant Experience, FReeZA, Red Carpet Youth Awards, REDFest, and the Felltimber and Baranduda Community Centres relied on volunteers.
“Volunteers also help out at our library, at Arts Space Wodonga and even our waste transfer station,” she said.
Other groups at the fair will include the Country Fire Authority, St John’s Ambulance, Girl Guides, Wodonga Dog Rescue, Junction Support Services, Westmont Community Care and the Disability Information Advocacy Service.
The fair begins at 11.30am in The Cube Wodonga courtyard.
Jindera Pioneer Museum, an institution run by the people for the people, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
More than 15 years ago John McInnes drove by and noticed an older person (“Probably the age I am now”) cleaning the gutters and thought he could help.
Being around the museum’s grounds and sheds out the back proved peaceful during a grieving period in his life and he enjoyed the “escape” provided by volunteering.
Mr McInnes became a regular volunteer and is now the maintenance officer.
The museum would also welcome any new helpers and can be contacted via Facebook or (02) 6026 3622.
Upper Murray Family Care’s interchange program is proud of the diversity among its volunteers, including secondary and tertiary students, families, individuals and retirees.
Interchange, which provides services to children and young people with a disability and their families, involves volunteers in after school and holiday activity sessions as well as individual experiences like big buddies.
One volunteer said helping out was rewarding.
“It’s a context where you are able to care for others in a supportive environment, gain new knowledge and experiences,” they said.
Program manager Jan Bence said volunteers were special people.
“Being able to say ‘I volunteer’ says so much about a person,” she said.
“It says I care about others, I care about my community and I want to make a difference.”
People interested in becoming an interchange volunteer can ring (02) 6055 8000 or inquire at interchange.org.au.
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