Despite a broad decline in volunteering in recent years, YCC is fortunate to have a number of extraordinary people willing to share their time and talents for the common good.
‘As a community organisation, we really value our volunteers, their commitment and dedication to the Centre is integral to all of our programs and services.’ said CEO, Christine McCall.
According to Volunteering Australia, Victoria’s volunteering rate went from 32.1% in 2019 to 24.4% in 2020. While the pandemic had a devastating effect on volunteering, we were fortunate that YCC’s volunteers continued to support our community via online and telephone.
‘I get great satisfaction in that I am able to help people who have not been as fortunate as me. Volunteering is an important part of my life,’ said Barbara Coco, one of the Centre’s volunteers.
‘I retired six years ago after having worked in a law firm for 32 years. During my time there, my company supported a breakfast club program. I was one of the volunteers who cooked breakfast on Tuesdays for disadvantaged kids. When I retired, I wanted to do something similar and was unsure of where to go or how to begin,’ she said.
‘Having lived in Yarraville for 49 years I knew about the Centre and, when I read in their Newsletter about the Nourish Project, I thought that is exactly what I want to do, so I sent off an email and the rest is history.’
YCC has the support of a dedicated Committee of Management to guide the organisation. Our volunteers also participate in events, help with gardening, collect food donations, stock our food relief pantry, converse with our students who are learning English, support our literacy and numeracy programs, mentor our digital learners, clean, chop, cook, package and freeze food; disseminate information, run children’s activities and much much more.
‘While I am not able to commit to a set time due to work, I volunteer on an ad hoc basis and they call when I can be of help – I do what’s needed – transport support, event set-ups or running errands and spread the word about the great work the Centre does,’ said John, one of YCC’s volunteers.
The benefits of volunteering are well-documented – giving you a sense of purpose, making you feel part of our community, an opportunity to share your talents, creating a more balanced life, making new social connections and, throughout the whole experience, making you feel very valued.
Volunteers are social activists in action, making direct and practical contributions to the local community. They are at the heart of the work we do at YCC.
Volunteering opportunities are always available in various areas of the organisation. Here are some ways you can assist:
- Become a member of the Committee of Management
- Read to children in our child care centre
- Become an accredited volunteer for our Tax Help program
- Help with cooking of food for our food relief program
- Pick up donated food from local supermarkets and put in our community pantry
- Help with events
- Skill sharing – teach a skill through our short course’s programs
- Gardening, maintenance and sustainability
- Support students in class or one-on-one
To apply to for a volunteering opportunity and to register for our Newsletter, please contact us:
www.ycc.net.au
Phone: 9687 1560
Email: info@ycc.net.au
