6 days Ago By Dilvin Yasa
This story is part of the November 17 edition of Sunday Life. See all 14 stories . Years ago, I picked up the phone to hear a voice on the other end thanking me for the difference I’d made in her life.
I was confused at first; although I visited this woman – and many others – while they were in a detention centre, I didn’t do anything besides bring food and a smile. She disagreed. “Your visits reminded me that I was still a human being,” she explained.
I have carried that conversation with me ever since. Around five million Australians (24.8 per cent of people aged 15 and over) volunteer their time.
Credit: CACTUS Creative Studio / Stocksy If you’re thinking about volunteering for a cause close to your heart, you’re in good company. According to Volunteering Australia, some five million Australians (24.8 per cent of people aged 15 and over) volunteer their time, with those aged between 40 and 54 the most likely to pitch in with their time and talents.
The most common types of organisations for which Australians volunteered? Those relating to sports and recreation took up the lion’s share, at 30.7 per cent. Religious groups, and education and training, took up the second and third positions at 23.
1 per cent and 18.8 per cent respectively. “It costs nothing to be kind” Eliza Batchelor, recruiter, 30 Those who come to our workshops often seem surprised that I’m volunteering, rather than getting paid.
“I’ve long been an advocate of giving back to the community and providing support to those in need. That’s why it made sense to help facilitate workshops for [cancer charity] Look Good Feel Better in Brisbane hospitals after I left the beauty industry. I’d witnessed their work offering free in-person and online workshops and providing Confidence Kits to help patients manage the appearance-related impacts of cancer treatment, and I wanted to put my skills to good use.
Those who come to our workshops often seem surprised that I’m volunteering, rather than getting paid, to help them, but I’m convinced I get as much out of being involved with the program as they do. Once I’ve set up my workshop, which looks like a bathroom vanity, I run through cosmetics and skincare applications, show people how to wear turbans and other headwear, and give them products from the lovely cosmetic companies who support us. Although they’re education sessions, what thrills me is the way patients connect with one another in this relaxed environment, having a laugh and often exchanging numbers to grab coffee after the workshops.
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