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PO Box A524
Sydney South NSW 1235, Level 11, 227 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000

Telephone: 1800 812 164

© 2024 Opportunity International AustraliaABN 83 003 805 043

Spotlight On A Volunteer

By Katarina Andre

Don’t we all want to feel that we are making a difference in the world? As a soon-to-be business graduate, I had been looking for an opportunity to further develop my skills and give myself that extra edge before entering the ‘real’ world, but I was struggling to find the place that felt right for me.

During a study tour to Cambodia – a trip designed to give university students insight into sustainable tourism – I had my first encounter with the work of microfinance. A local hotel in Siem Reap was turning part of their profits (along with donations from hotel guests) into small loans for families in the area with pretty impressive results.

I was awestruck as I realised the true benefit of giving someone a ‘hand-up’ as opposed to a ‘hand out’ and would not stop talking about my new insight when I returned to Australia. So when I was offered the chance to join Opportunity as a Communications intern I was thrilled: writing up a storm about small loans – this was the place for me! I was quickly welcomed into a group of excited interns and we embarked upon a Spring filled with learning, laughter and work.

During my time volunteering with Opportunity, I have been enlightened and inspired every day. Enlightened about the fact that there is so much we can do to help those around us who are less fortunate and inspired by how much every action counts. Enlightened about the impact a small loan can have and inspired by the drive I have seen in mothers given the opportunity to change their families’ life.

My own life has been put into perspective as I measure the cost of that new dress I was planning to buy against how that same amount of money could be used as a small loan for a mother in need (and my friend’s have not been spared while shopping with me, either!). It’s not that I think we shouldn’t buy that new thing we’ve been eyeing, but rather that, once in a while, maybe we should stop and think about what we have and the impact we can have in another person’s life.

In the words of Anne Frank:

No one has become poor from giving.”

How true it is – to give someone the opportunity of a better life is what has put a bright smile on my face every morning as I make my way to the Opportunity office.

Giving is so much more than material; giving your time and efforts is equally valuable. If you, like me, feel that you want to make a difference in the world, don’t hesitate to give your time for a cause you believe in – I can promise that you will gain so much more than you give.

Friday 5 December is International Volunteer Day. We are so grateful for the incredible commitment our inspiring interns and volunteers demonstrate every day – thank you for all that you do!

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