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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

International Volunteers Day

By Jessica Schremmer

Have you ever thought about volunteering and dedicating some of your spare time to a good cause? If you aren’t already a volunteer, I would like to encourage you with some thoughts on why volunteering is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have at any stage of your life.

Approximately 2.7 billion people around the world live in poverty, which means they are facing hunger, a lack of shelter, no access to clean water and sanitation, and are also dealing with health issues on a daily basis. Some of the most vulnerable are children and women, suffering from preventable diseases and no access to education.

As a volunteer you can make a difference and help in tackling poverty and creating better lives.

You have the opportunity to help create something good for communities and contribute to development on a local, national and international level.

Zoe Fehlberg has been volunteering for many years and became an Opportunity International Australia Ambassador in 2015. She believes:

“People living in poverty are just like us. They are prepared to work hard to provide for their family; they want what’s best for their children; and sometimes they face unexpected challenges and losses. Like us, they sometimes need a hand up to get back on their feet,” said Zoe.

Zoe recently hosted a wine tasting and movie night and raised over $10, 000. These donations will provide small loans to over 140 families in India, Indonesia and the Philippines so they can start a small business, earn a regular income and free themselves from poverty.

People like Zoe will be honoured on 5 December with the UN International Volunteers Day. This year’s theme is #GlobalApplause – give volunteers a hand. It is a unique day for volunteers and organisations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values and promote their work among their communities.

Volunteering is a win-win for both: you and the cause you support.

It allows you to learn and develop new skills and interests, and to meet new, like-minded people. You also have the opportunity to support a cause you feel strongly about and to make a real difference to your community and international development.

Find out how you can volunteer and become and Opportunity Ambassador here.

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