VINNIES Youth are not the future – they are “the here and now”, St Vincent de Paul national president Claire Victory said during National Volunteers Week.
Ms Victory thanked all the volunteers for their vital role, bringing dignity and hope to so many people through drought, fire, flood and pandemic.
“In particular, we recognise the role of young volunteers, that often unsung cohort of 28,500 people under the age of 40, who make up more than a third of our membership base,” Ms Victory said.
“Young people were able to lead new ways of responding to the needs of their local communities, particularly as vulnerable older members were unable to volunteer on the ground at the height of the pandemic.”
She said the spirit of a young Blessed Frederic Ozanam, who founded the society on his 20th birthday, was thriving today.
Vinnies’ Brisbane youth engagement officer Daniel Ingledew said the young people were some of the “most selfless and caring people you will ever meet”.
“Week-to-week, month-to-month, the volunteers give their time, their energy, and their love to the youth programs they are a part of, supporting children and families in their local communities,” he said.
“From recreational sports programs, weekend activity days, and mentoring programs, to leadership programs, holiday programs, and youth camps, all of the volunteers truly are making a difference, having a positive impact on the lives of children and on society as a whole.”
Ms Victory said the last 12 months showed the “adaptability, innovation and forward-thinking spirit” of young volunteers.
“Young people from primary school age to their late 30s are in our shops, in our soup vans, talking to people experiencing isolation and disadvantage, and taking up senior leadership roles,” she said.
“Nationally seven of our advisory committees are led by young people and five of the National Council members are aged under 40.
“More than 60 young people at the national level shape how our organisation responds to public policy challenges of the day.”
She said National Volunteer Week was an opportunity for all Australians to recognise the contributions made by nearly six million people across our country who volunteer their time, compassion, and expertise to help others.
To find out more or to sign up as a volunteer visit vinnies.org.au
