VOLUNTEERING is an opportunity to “touch the hearts of the people”, according to two City of Bayswater volunteers.
Age Friendly Ambassadors Karen Gomes, of Bennett Springs, and Tim Benson, of Morley, are among nine volunteers who provide a link between the City’s services and the community.
They will be attending training and information programs during National Volunteer Week, which runs from May 20 to 26.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWZonta Club calls on volunteers to nominate for awards
Dianella residents volunteer in Cancer Council WA’s wig library
Ms Gomes said she was looking forward to taking part in the programs for the first time.
“I am looking forward to talking about what we do but also learning from them (other volunteers), how we can improve and what information we could bring back to them,” she said.
“There are people in the community that sometimes would just like somebody to talk to them.
“What I like most about volunteering is touching the hearts of the people.”
Mr Benson said volunteering was an opportunity to give back to the community and keep his mind and body active.
“One of the things that I really enjoy is meeting people, not only the people we talk to in the community but the rest of our team,” he said.
Mayor Dan Bull said volunteers often changed the lives of people around them.
“Volunteering not only provides vital services to the community but creates opportunities for individuals to connect with each other,” he said.
“The establishment of strong social networks reduces social isolation and makes our community a better place to live.”
LIST OF PROGRAMS
– Mindset booster: City of Bayswater civic centre, 61 Broun Avenue, Morley, Monday, May 20, from 2pm to 3pm
– Volunteers talking the talk: civic centre, Tuesday, May 21, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm
– Keeping sane: civic centre, Wednesday, May 22, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Volunteers can sign up via the City’s Facebook page.