National Volunteer Week 2022
On National Volunteer Week, Australian Red Cross recognises and celebrates the incredible contributions of the more than 21,000 Australian volunteers and members who are part of our organisation.
Our volunteers are generous with their time and care, and do it with a smile, a can-do attitude and never expecting anything in return. It is because of our volunteers that we can be there for people and communities all across Australia during difficult times. They embody our Fundamental Principles and are key to us fulfilling our humanitarian mandate.
To all our volunteers, thank you! We couldn’t do what we do without you, and we are all the better for your actions and examples.
Read more to understand why people choose to join our Movement. If you would also like to join the world’s largest humanitarian network, check out our current Volunteering Opportunities.
Sabia, Migration Support / Humanitarian Settlement Program, WA
When I was a little girl in Afghanistan, I dreamed of growing up to be a pilot and flying my family to a safe country. I never dreamed I'd instead be a humanitarian, helping people seeking refuge in Australia.
I'm a Red Cross volunteer, one of many who in some way helped support 300 people who fled to Australia on repatriation flights when the Taliban took control of my homeland last year. Among them were mums, dads, little kids; who had been through things you wouldn't wish on a living soul.
Everyone deserves a safe home and a welcoming, inclusive community. And I promised myself I'd make sure other people starting over didn't have to go through what I did.
Sue Barlow, Telecross/Catering for Senior Community Members, NSW
The possible emptiness of retirement had just presented itself when it became obvious that the skills acquired through my roles in life didn’t die with a formal working life. My experiences in fostering children taught me that volunteering is a reward in itself and that the world is full of opportunities to give.
There have been many connections with people through Telecross – clients and other Red Cross staff and volunteers. The daily connections with clients who are isolated through fragility, or the lack of an audience for their story or simply the opportunity to have a chat, allows me to experience multiple occasions of making a difference.
The clients who enjoy the meals I cook, the dedicated staff and the folk on the end of that phone line will keep me volunteering for as long as I am able. I have learnt so much from them all about wisdom, knowledge and courage.
Aaron Moore, Retail, NSW
I’ve been volunteering at the Red Cross Shop in Cootamundra for over five years. I like coming to the shop and helping people, and I feel like I am included in the community.
I have gained so many friendships through volunteering. Over 14 months ago I was involved in a serious car accident which nearly claimed my life. I have had to learn to do everything again, walk, eat, feed myself, shower and dress myself. I never realised how many people cared for me. The support received from Red Cross helped me get back to how I was before the accident. While I was recovering, I couldn’t wait to get back to working at Red Cross.
In the past I had no confidence and through volunteering, I now feel like I am confident in myself and can achieve anything. Helen Eccleston, the Shop Coordinator, has supported me learning new skills and shown me that I can achieve things I didn’t think I could. She’s been my mentor since commencing at Red Cross.
“When Aaron came into the shop, he was very raw, he thought he couldn’t do anything. It has been my privilege to support and watch Aaron learn and grow within himself. Aaron can do anything that he puts his mind,” Helen said.
Katie Phan was contacted by the Red Cross Tele-Outreach program while in isolation for two weeks when she moved to Hobart in June 2020. She was so impressed by the program that she later joined as a volunteer, calling many lonely people in quarantine.
“The calls made me feel safe knowing someone cared and listened, and that they would reach out if I needed help.”
I began as a volunteer with the Bindaring Clothing Sale in WA, but found myself thinking there must be more I can do to give back to the community, so I also got involved with the WA Soup Patrol team.
Before I knew it, my days were filled with the most incredible experiences, assisting refugees and making them feel more included and settled. Some of the most vulnerable people need connection, food, warmth, or just a conversation. The work our volunteers do is immeasurably important in meeting those needs. They bring fresh eyes, creativity, opinions, valuable insights, passions, experiences, and unique stories to the table.
For me, volunteering in an organisation which is so globally recognised and respected is about being part of something bigger, and doing things together to make a difference – even if it is just to one person. Now I’m a Volunteer Manager, and I’m so proud to be a part of Australian Red Cross and of the work our volunteers do every day across the country.
I volunteer because I love talking to people and making them feel happier, and I was raised with the message that looking after the elderly is important. It only takes 10 minutes out of my day and it makes someone’s whole day better. Alfred, one of our clients, loves my calls every morning and always thanks me – especially if I’m in the car with my kids and he gets to talk to them as well.
I started volunteering with Red Cross while I was transitioning to retirement, it was part of the process of ensuring I had some structure in my life post retirement. I do it because I like to help others and feel as though I am making a difference as well as having the opportunity to interact with others. Volunteering with the Restoring Family Links hotline, I feel like I have made a difference simply by listening to the caller’s story and giving them a little bit of hope.
I joined Red Cross because of the reputation of the organisation. I enjoy the work environment, I admire the work that Red Cross does in the community both here and overseas and it is good to be part of that.
Volunteering is important to me as throughout my life I have always wanted to assist others who are in need of support and being able to make a small difference in people’s lives. Apart from the satisfaction it gives me, I also feel that I am a valued member of society and that is so very important to me.
A couple of months ago whilst doing Telecross calls, I spoke to a client who had just been advised that her husband had passed away. She was quite distressed at the time and I just listened to her. A couple of weeks later, I spoke to this client again and she thanked me for just listening to her. Since that time, we have spoken several times and she appreciates that support. That makes me feel that my work makes a difference.
What I like most about Red Cross is the support you receive from staff and fellow volunteers, and the caring attitude in all across the organisation. I will continue with Red Cross as long as Telecross and Emergency Services exist.
Volunteering at Australia Red Cross has given me a sense of purpose and renewed focus. As a 60+ person seeking work, I was disheartened with the ongoing treadmill of applying for jobs and not hearing back, but participating in 30 hours voluntary work per fortnight helped me regain my self-worth and confidence. Mature people have a lot of experience and skills to bring to the workplace that can be overlooked in many companies, but Red Cross appreciates all volunteers’ contributions.
I volunteer with the Red Cross Transport Services in Adelaide to support elderly people with their independence through the Community Home Support Program. I can use my experience of working in aged care, keep my office skills current and am encouraged and motivated to develop new skills as opportunities arise.
Red Cross is well known across the globe as a leading humanitarian charitable organisation that puts people and communities first. There are many compassionate programs that run in South Australia and Red Cross people are multi-cultural, welcoming, inclusive and vibrant. It’s an absolute pleasure to come to ‘work’.
I originally come from Iraq, where I was a client with Red Cross. As part of the Humanitarian Settlement Program over the last two years, I want to help others in the community.
I feel safe and comfortable working and learning with the team at Red Cross. I like working in the office, talking to people and helping others. I feel like I’m a new person and have gained confidence in myself.
I joined Red Cross as a child, when I was six or seven years old. I was involved in local community activities through the school and remember someone from Red Cross attending the school running a junior program. Through this initiative I became very aware of community needs and wanting to help others.
I believe in the fundamental principles of the Red Cross, and I appreciate how the organisation evolves to help more people in our communities. I volunteer because I feel like I can make a difference in someone’s life, and am happy to give others a helping hand.
I would like to continue doing what I’m doing for as long as I possibly can. The Red Cross Shop is a vital service in the Cootamundra community.