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Volunteers contribute around 750 million hours to Australian communities each year

Announcement posted by Feros Care 08 May 2017

With National Volunteer Week upon us from 8-14 May, aged care provider Feros Care says there’s no better time to talk about the incredible contribution volunteers make to society.

Volunteers are extraordinary people, they’re compassionate individuals who genuinely care and want to help make a difference to the lives of those around them.

In fact, Australians are very generous in helping out others, with the most recent figures (2014) from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showing that more than a third of Australia’s population aged 15 and over volunteer in some capacity. That’s 5.8 million people or 31% of the population!

Over a 12-month period, voluntary work equalled 743 million hours contributed to the community, according to the ABS. That’s an enormous amount of selfless, unpaid work by wonderful people that give their time and energy to keeping the wheels of society turning, Feros Care Jennene Buckley says.

“Feros Care understands the value of volunteers, with so many extraordinary people helping out in various roles,” Jennene says.

“Volunteers are compassionate people, who genuinely care and want to help make a difference to the lives of those around them. In the last financial year, we had 129 active volunteers in the community and our residential villages, which is fantastic.”

Volunteering Australia says there is a “strong correlation between the well-being, happiness, health and longevity” of people who are emotionally kind and compassionate in their charitable helping activities and that the experience of helping others provides meaning and a sense of self-worth.

A prime example of one of these extraordinary individuals is Feros Care volunteer bus driver, Brian King, who is reaping the personal rewards of giving back to the community.
 
Brian King, Feros Volunteer

“I have lived on the Gold Coast for over 30 odd years and got a lot out of life here and thought it was time to give back. I never expected to get such a hell of a kick out it … it exceeded my expectations,” Brian says.

“It’s so enjoyable – it’s giving back to the community, that’s for sure. The interaction I have with the people is fantastic. I love seeing the interaction benefit them and others – it makes for a great day out for everyone.”

Feros Care is always seeking enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who are interested in bringing laughter, meaningful companionship and support to seniors in the community or in our residential villages - and if you’ve only got an hour a week to spare, that’s fine.

Our volunteers engage with clients through a diverse range of activities depending on the clients’ needs, interests and hobbies. Drawing upon the volunteers own experiences and passions this could include traditional activities such as social outings, arts and crafts, transport and gardening, or the more innovative interaction using technology to create digital life storybooks or host virtual meet-ups.

So get in touch with Feros Care to see where your valuable contribution can benefit others - and yourself! Phone 1300 085 181 for community volunteering or 1300 763 583 to volunteer in one of our residential villages. You can also find more information on volunteering for Feros Care at www.feroscare.com.au/volunteering.