INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY
DECEMBER 5
This day celebrates the efforts of those who have made an important contribution to society
by giving their time as volunteers. The United Nations has invited governments and
organisations in all countries to undertake and promote activities each year on 5 December
to thank the volunteers and to stimulate a greater awareness of their contribution
International Volunteer Day is the perfect time for an organisation to express gratitude to its
volunteers. Designed to thank volunteers and stimulate a greater awareness of their contribution,
IVD is already marked in more than half the countries of the world. Become part of a global
movement to honour volunteers and the amazing work they do.
The Body Shop
The Body Shop is a fully Australian owned cosmetic company with over 80 stores around Australia , with a high profile in CSR activities, with its headquarters in Mulgrave , within the City of Monash .
Staff from The Body Shop has an Employee Volunteer Plan that supports them in contributing to the needs of the community, one day a year.
Two staff members recently gave their corporate volunteer day at VicRelief Foodbank in Yarraville , making up food parcels (from donations) for families affected by bushfires.
“ Whilst the work was repetitive (and slightly grubby) we really enjoyed it. It was good to do something physical instead of sitting at a desk all day and we felt that we'd done something worthwhile at the end of it. …Would definitely go there again and am hoping to for the Christmas Hamper packing later in the year.”
Another two staff gave their corporate volunteer day at Puffing Billy Railway removing non-native trees from the Puffing Billy Railway site.
“…. we both really enjoyed this project. All equipment was supplied and the hosts were friendly & helpful. I would recommend this project to anyone who likes working outdoors.”
Stockland
Stockland is one of the top 50 ASX listed companies and one of Australia's largest, most diversified property groups.
Jane Sullivan works in Stockland Retirement Living and is based in Hampton East, Early in April, Jane contacted MVRC to research opportunities for a 2 day volunteering placement. She asked for more information about W.A.T.C.H. after reading through the April edition of our Corporate Volunteering Bulletin Board.
Since then, Jane has completed her 2 day placement and learnt a lot about Waverley Adult Training and Support Service, known as W.A.T.C.H., delivering day programs to over 40 people with intellectual disabilities. There Jane a ssisted with running the daily activities, which on her placement days included tenpin bowling, a visit to the beach, grocery shopping & playing pool.
“The placement definitely met my requirements. I was able to interact with everybody and definitely learnt a lot in my two day placement. I have no hesitation in returning to help when I can!”
