The holiday season isn’t all gifts and tinsel and basted turkeys. Not for everyone.
Life’s problems don’t just disappear. In fact, for a lot of people, some issues (whether that be loneliness, homelessness, food insecurity, financial challenges, illness etc) are exacerbated with the reflection of another calendar year coming to a close.
For anyone, like us, wanting to ‘give’ in a more impactful way this holiday season, here is a snapshot of some of the Australia-wide volunteer opportunities you could attend in the coming months and beyond.
Orange Sky
Provide Conversation And Connection
Homelessness and hardship doesn’t take a break during the holidays. So, neither does Orange Sky. Extra volunteer support ensures this not-for-profit can continue to provide space for conversation and connection (on top of their free laundry and shower services) across the 340 scheduled shifts taking place nationwide, every week.
Join your local team of dedicated Orange Sky volunteers:
https://orangesky.org.au/volunteer/
The Salvation Army Australia
Woolworths Carols In The Domain
Whether you can spare a few hours, or the whole day, The Salvation Army has a variety of shifts on offer for the annual and oh-so-celebrated Carols In The Domain event. This is an opportunity to support their financial and non-financial targets, while revelling in the holiday spirit with fellow volunteers, artists, and event-goers.
To browse opportunities in neighbouring states, look here:
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/christmas/get-involved-this-christmas/volunteer-this-christmas/
Foodbank
Help Thank Annual Donors
Foodbank NSW and ACT is seeking a small number of volunteers to help them contact people and businesses who have donated to the 2024 Christmas Appeal; welcoming them, thanking them, and confirming their details. This role helps Foodbank greet and retain much needed outside support, and adds authentic voice and personality to the community-based organisation.
To register your expression of interest, follow this link:
https://govolunteer.com.au/volunteering/opportunity/218759/help-thank-our-donors
Care Flight
Christmas Gift Wrapping
Are you someone who is satisfied by a perfectly wrapped present? CareFlight needs you. Volunteer the morning, afternoon, or full day of your time on Friday, December 20 to gift wrap presents for Westfield Parramatta customers in exchange for a donation. All proceeds will go towards supporting CareFlight’s aeromedical operations for major trauma incidents, and nationwide training operations.
If you have a few hours to spare, contact the team here:
https://govolunteer.com.au/volunteering/opportunity/219589/christmas-gift-wrapping-volunteers
Australian Red Cross
Visiting Volunteer
Be matched with an elderly member of the community, at an aged care facility or retirement home, to provide ongoing friendship, companionship, and boost social connection. Brighten the life of someone who may be experiencing loneliness (an emotion likely heightened during the holiday period) by sharing a cup of tea, playing a card game, or engaging in relaxed conversation.
Give up just two hours of your week, for a minimum of 12 months, starting now:
https://makeadifference.volunteering.nsw.gov.au/volunteering/208170/visiting-volunteer-nsw
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