Become a part of these worthwhile volunteer programs across Geelong this National Volunteer Week!
National Volunteer Week (NVM) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteers. From 16 – 22 May 2022, NVM will be appreciating the generous hearts of Australians and the significant contribution of out six million volunteers nationally.
After a tumultuous couple of years when many of us experienced isolation, mental health or financial stress, the opportunity to volunteer shines brighter than ever! Volunteering has the capacity to make our community stronger and better general well-being.
We’ve found some worthy causes for you to volunteer for in and around Geelong!
Geelong Animal Welfare Society
Share your passion for animal welfare and be a part of something extremely rewarding! GAWS is a non-for-profit animal welfare organisation providing care for stray and lost animals until they can be reunited with owners or re-homed in new forever homes. As the animal shelter receives no government funding it relies on the generous support of the community with the vital work. There are various roles available including working at the shelter, fostering, assisting with fundraising and administration, or working in the GAWS Op Shop!
Fill out the Volunteer Application Form and get involved!
Geelong Food Relief Centre
The Geelong Food Relief assists those in need of emergency food relief within the Geelong Community! The centre provides food to those living in difficult circumstances and works in conjunction with schools and early learning centres in the region. Volunteer roles include Front Counter Services, Shop Floor and Storeroom duties, Preparation room or general duties.
Find the Volunteer Form here and be a part of this extremely worthwhile program!
Cherished Pets
Cherished Pets is a social veterinary enterprise that has had humble beginnings within the sleepy town of Ocean Grove. They are committed to ensuring that individuals much beloved pets can have continuous care throughout even the most difficult of circumstances. Established in 2015, Cherished Pets is the first BCorp certified veterinary practice in the world with an interest in keeping pet owners with their pets their number one priority.
Cherished Pets are often on the lookout for community pet carers to assist pet owners by providing regular care and exercise for their pets. Pet care tasks may include but are not limited to dog walking, feeding pets, grooming pets, cleaning and removal of pet waste.
If volunteering with Cherished Pets interests you can find all the information at their website here.
Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary
Aboriginal for “Seek a home for a kangaroo”, Jirrahlinga is a haven for injured wildlife. Located on 5 acres of land on the Northern edge of Barwon Heads, the team at Jirrahlinga seek out and treat shocked and burnt animals. This extremely special program is an integral part of saving our native wildlife!
Become a part of this amazing rescue mission through the Volunteer Form on their website!
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The Outpost Inc
The Outpost exists for the purpose of providing material assistance to those less fortunate within the City of Greater Geelong and its surrounds. The community group helps individuals through the provision of hot & cold meals, clothing and hygiene products and many other personal requirements to those who are homeless or living in extremely poor circumstances.
Email [email protected] to find out about their volunteer opportunities!
Geelong Mums
Local charity Geelong Mums is always on the lookout for some extra volunteers in Geelong. The charity, which was founded in 2013 and inspired by the work of St Kilda Mums, are a voluntary network of mothers working together to collect and sort donations of baby and preschool children’s clothing, toys, books and essential nursery equipment like cots, prams and car seats. They strongly believe that by reusing and recycling much-loved babies’ and children’s gear, they not only share the joy of motherhood with each other, but they also save the earth’s precious resources too.
Volunteers are involved in every aspect of our operation, from accepting, sorting, cleaning, processing, packing and safety checking these items, to administrative and IT tasks, so there’s always something to do in helping rehome donated and new nursery equipment and baby items.
You can apply to volunteer with Geelong Mums here.
Disabled Surfer Association Ocean Grove
Catch a wave as you give back! DSA is an entirely volunteer run organisation, with the goal of providing an inclusive experience for people with any disability to experience the rush of riding a wave. With events running throughout the year, DSA is an extremely rewarding opportunity for all, so keep your eyes peeled for updates!
Email [email protected] to register your interest as a volunteer!
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Feed Me Bellarine
Feed your community! With no questions asked and no agenda, FMB values creating connections with and helping those that need a hand. For as little or as long as they need! This incredible community program turns leftover food from hospitality and food outlets into nutritious meals and delivers it to people in need across the Bellarine Peninsula.
It’s even now expanded to include Geelong and the Surf Coast sharing more food with more community who needs it – no questions asked.
Become a FMB Volunteer and become a part of this community aware, supportive and inclusive network!
Seeing Eye Dogs Australia
Love dogs? Then why not volunteer for Vision Australia’s Seeing Eye Dogs Team! SEDA is a national provider of guide dogs specially bred and trained to act as dog guides for people who are blind or have low visions. These unique dogs provide the ‘gift of independence’ and freedom in day-to-day life by becoming the ‘eyes’ of a person who is blind or vision impaired. Volunteer to work in SEDA’s Administration team, as a Kennel Assistant, Speakers team or even provide a home for these lovely dogs as a Carer.
They’re currently on the lookout for puppy carers in Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo for either 12 months or six months so now might be the time.
Find more about SEDA’s Volunteer opportunities here!
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Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
This vital volunteering program can help change lives! As a AMEP Volunteer, you’ll be assisting new arrived migrants settle into their new lives. Put your skills to use and offer AMEP learner an opportunity to practise and improve English communication skills and learn about life in Australia.
Head to the AMEP Website and become a volunteer now!
Multicultural Aged Care
For beautiful friendships with the residents at MACS! Volunteers allow a diverse social and lifestyle program for the MACS residents, keeping them connected to their community. Volunteer in their group activities such as Knitting and Crochet Groups, accompany residents on social outings or so many other opportunities!
Register to become a volunteer at MACS here!
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
In Australia a life-saving blood donation is required every 24 seconds, so you need to get involved! Donating blood is a straightforward, rewarding and for a great cause, as each donation held to give life to three Australians. The Geelong Lifeblood Donor Centre is located at 237 Ryrie St, Geelong and always welcomes new donors.
Check your eligibility and make an appointment to donate here!
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If you’re looking for more volunteer opportunities, visit the Go Volunteer website.
