December 5 is celebrated every year as the International Volunteers Day (IVD). The United Nations declared the day to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and contributions made by volunteers all over the world. The theme of IVD 2020 was “Together We Can Through Volunteering” and aimed to promote the power of volunteerism in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Volunteering is a selfless act of giving one’s time, skills, and resources for the betterment of others without expecting anything in return. It is a noble way of making a positive impact on society and bringing about meaningful change. Volunteers play a critical role in addressing social, economic, and environmental issues and work towards building a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.
The Hospice Care North West (HCNW) recognizes the value and importance of volunteering and actively engages volunteers in its mission of providing compassionate end-of-life care to patients and families in the north-west of Tasmania. HCNW believes that volunteers are an integral part of the palliative care team and offer valuable support, comfort, and companionship to patients and their loved ones.
Volunteering at HCNW is a fulfilling experience that provides an opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Volunteers can participate in various activities, including assisting with patient care, providing emotional support to families, running errands, helping with fundraising and administrative tasks, and promoting awareness about palliative care in the community. The volunteer program at HCNW is flexible and caters to the availability and interests of individuals.
HCNW values the contributions of its volunteers and recognizes their efforts through regular training, support, and recognition programs. The organization also ensures the safety and wellbeing of volunteers by providing a safe working environment, insurance coverage, and necessary equipment and resources.
Volunteering not only benefits the recipients but also the volunteers themselves. Studies have shown that volunteering has numerous personal and social benefits, such as improving mental health, reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing social connections, and developing new skills and experiences. Volunteering also provides a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and happiness.
Volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging, but it has also highlighted the resilience and adaptability of volunteers and their commitment to serving their communities. The pandemic has created new opportunities for virtual volunteering, where volunteers can provide their services remotely, such as online tutoring, mentoring, or counselling. Virtual volunteering has enabled volunteers to continue contributing to their communities while adhering to social distancing measures.
Volunteering is not only limited to individuals; companies and organizations can also make a significant impact through corporate volunteering programs. Corporate volunteering is a strategic way for companies to demonstrate their social responsibility, enhance their reputation, and strengthen their relationships with stakeholders. Corporate volunteering programs can take various forms, such as skills-based volunteering, team-building activities, or employee donation matching. These programs can benefit both the company and the community by promoting employee engagement, teamwork, and social impact.
The International Volunteers Day is an excellent opportunity to recognize and appreciate the efforts and contributions of volunteers worldwide. It is also a reminder of the power and potential of volunteering in building a better world. Volunteering is a noble and selfless act that brings joy and fulfillment to both the volunteers and the beneficiaries. Whether it is through individual or corporate volunteering, we can all make a positive impact on society and contribute to achieving the SDGs.
In conclusion, the Hospice Care North West’s commitment to volunteerism has brought tremendous benefits to patients and families in Tasmania’s north-west region. The organization’s focus on providing a flexible and supportive environment for volunteers is a testament to the value it places on their contributions. On this International Volunteers Day, let us all take a moment to appreciate and celebrate the power of volunteerism in bringing about meaningful change in our communities. share our thanks and gratitude to Volunteers individually, via social media and also in the local paper.
We try to have our Volunteer End of Year Event as close to this date as possible.
More information: https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/events/international-volunteer-day/
