Anglicare’s Thank You to Valued Volunteers

Anglicare Southern Queensland acknowledged the invaluable contribution volunteers make with a service held at St John’s Cathedral during National Volunteer Week.

The service was officiated by Anglicare’s Director of Mission & Social Justice, The Rev’d Canon Linda McWilliam and attended by Ambassador for Volunteering Queensland, David Ham OAM, as well as a number of volunteers.

Highlights of the services included personal reflections from volunteers, who supported Anglicare clients in a number of ways.

Anglicare’s Program Manager (Volunteers) Kathleen McLay said volunteers were integral to Anglicare’s business operations.

“Quite simply, without our volunteers, we would not be able to deliver services to our clients.”

According to Volunteering Australia, volunteering plays a critical role in Australia’s national identity.
There are 5.8 million Australians or 31 per cent of the population who engage in volunteering activities and programs, making an estimated annual economic and social contribution of $290 billion.

National Volunteer Week is an annual celebration that acknowledges the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers.

The theme for National Volunteer Week in 2017 was ‘Give Happy, Live Happy’, which focusses on research that suggests that those who volunteer live happier and healthier lives.

According to Kathleen, volunteering is not just good for physical and mental wellbeing but also for our emotional health.

“As a provider and advocate for providing services to our communities Anglicare Southern Queensland and the Anglican Church Southern Queensland are committed to a wellness approach through all of the services provided,” she said.

For those interested in volunteering with Anglicare, please visit our Volunteer Vacancies page.