YOUNG people in the community have been urged to volunteer their time at not-for-profit services and organisations in the Limestone Coast.
Mount Gambier residents Faith Monger and Vincent Uwimana both regularly volunteer at Red Cross Limestone Coast and have encouraged youths to consider doing the same.
Relatively new to the organisation, Ms Monger said groups like Red Cross needed as many volunteers as possible as they were an unpaid service.
“I like volunteering as you get a nice feeling when you help people,” she said.
“At Red Cross, there is a large and nice team of community-minded people who work here with a diverse set of skills.
“I think people forget about volunteering a lot of the time because they think they do not get something in return like money or experience.”
Helping to format brochures, posters and spreadsheets, Ms Monger said she was able to use the skills she developed in high school.
“In a way we are also able to help with newer technology and modern-day activities,” she said.
“It is easier to show people how to do it rather than them trying to work it out themselves.”
Mr Uwimana helps with administration tasks and encouraged young people to use their skills and give back to the community.
“You are doing something you really like, not because you earn money but because your passion is helping the community,” he said.
“You are sacrificing your time for something worthwhile.
“It is not very often you see young people volunteering but I think it is important.”
Mr Uwimana said volunteering provided a raft of benefits, including skill development and socialising opportunities.
“If people come, we will find a place for them no matter what skills they have or what field they desire to work in,” he said.
“You are able to network and socialise with mature people who have great work experience.
“People are able to educate you on what is expected at paid employment.”
Both Ms Monger and Mr Uwimana plan to stay at Red Cross and will participate in the collation of Christmas food parcels, which will be distributed to clients in the region.
Red Cross Limestone Coast regional services manager David Walshaw said the organisation was looking for volunteers to help with Emergency Services and Migrant Support programs in the future.
“Over 18 is recommended for the minimum age for young people who are considering volunteering with Red Cross,” he said.
“Although, everybody has their own motivations as to why they volunteer.
“Most people say it is about putting something back into the community, wanting to do something for those less fortunate or to just make a difference in a world that sometimes is too focused on wealth and status.”
Mr Walshaw said it was not just a one way street and it was clear volunteering bought many benefits to the volunteers themselves.
“While volunteering opens doors for many young people, it can also enhance skills and develop new ones, leading to the discovery of new interests that are then successfully pursued as a career,” he said.
Community members are also able to volunteer their time for the Telecross program, which involves phoning people in mornings to check on their welfare between the hours of 7.30am and 9am every day of the year.
