Volunteer week kicks off
Older people are a key source of volunteers as they contribute more time than volunteers of any other age group. National Volunteer Week is celebrated next week from today (Monday, 14 May 2012), drawing attention to the immense contribution made by volunteers to Australian society.
Older people are a key source of volunteers as they contribute more time than volunteers of any other age group.
National Volunteer Week is celebrated next week from today (Monday, 14 May 2012), drawing attention to the immense contribution made by volunteers to Australian society.
“In Australia six million volunteers play a crucial role in the economy and contribute enormously to the life of the community. Without them Australian society as we know it would collapse,” says Sue Hendy, chief executive of Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria.
“The not-for-profit sector relies on volunteers as do the thousands of sporting, leisure and cultural groups who would disappear without them.
More than 30% of Australians volunteer regularly. Volunteering is both economically productive and provides social and health benefits for older people.
“Older Australians have much to offer the community besides their time and effort. Their wisdom and experience is much needed in our society, more so now than ever before. Without volunteers, organisations from sporting and cultural groups, welfare and emergency services would simply not exist,” Ms Hendy says.
She added COTA has experienced many thousands of volunteers over its 60 years in operation.
“National Volunteer Week is a good occasion to recognise the unique contribution made by older Australians to the betterment of our society.”
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