Volunteering can help you make friends, learn new skills, advance your career, and even help you feel happier and healthier. It also allows you to connect to your local community and make it a better place.
Christine McCall, CEO of the Yarraville Community Centre says, “we have a diverse community here in the Maribyrnong region and making a positive contribution to social inclusion can really provide our volunteers with a sense of purpose”.
Giving to others can even help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression and even keep you mentally stimulated. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference.
In 2020 the volunteers at Yarraville Community Centre donated over 1500 hours of service which included making over 200 face masks and providing food relief for their local community during the pandemic. Recently, during National Volunteer Week the Yarraville Community hosted a BBQ luncheon with the Mayor of Maribyrnong City Council, Cr Michael Clarke joining the Community Centre to recognise the hard work of all the volunteers.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating the immeasurably valuable work our volunteers do, not only for our center but for our local community. Their dedication and contribution is essential to the success of the services we provide to our community,” says Christine.
The YCC values their volunteers, students and work placements. Volunteering opportunities are always available in various areas of the organisation. Here are some ways you can assist:
- Being involved in the food relief program
- Helping with events
- Reading to children in our child care centre
- A member of the Committee of Management
- Skill sharing
- Gardening
- Working with students
- Teach a skill you might have for a short course
To apply to for a volunteering opportunity please visit:
ycc.net.au/volunteer-at-ycc or call 03 9687 1560
