Catholic agencies recognise invaluable contribution of volunteers

The generous support of volunteers is invaluable to CatholicCare’s delivery of programs, according to the organisation’s Social Impact Project Coordinator.

Celebrating National Volunteer Week during May 16-22, Rachael Johnson said she offered enormous thanks to volunteers on behalf of all those at CatholicCare.

“They are all so special and do the best job helping with so many of our programs,” she said.

“We would be lost without them supporting us and freely volunteering their time.”

CatholicCare hosted its annual event to recognise volunteers on Thursday 19 May.

Guest speaker and long-serving volunteer Pam Clarkin spoke about the many people she has met over the years, and how she has been involved in their lives.

“Pam currently provides supports across a number of areas within CatholicCare Tasmania’s Multicultural Service Programs,” Rachael said.

“She is extremely patient, and passionate in her volunteering role, and goes above and beyond to assist people with their needs.”

Rachael said without volunteers, many programs would not be able to function.

“They provide so much assistance to the many clients that come into CatholicCare Tasmania. Our volunteers assist with many programs such as Let’s Talk, Light the Way and a range of Multicultural Service Programs.”

The Archdiocese of Hobart Archives and Heritage Collection also marked the occasion, with archivist Eloise Armstrong noting the Archives had a strong tradition of volunteering.

“Most of the team are retired professionals, who have had busy and interesting working lives, and they bring valued skills and knowledge to our workplace,” she said.

“The volunteers are able to focus on work that the staff simply do not have time for and would not be done otherwise. The theme for this year’s National Volunteer week was ‘Better Together’ and safe to say, we are definitely a better organisation with our volunteers a part of it!”

State President of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Mr Mark Gaetani, said National Volunteer Week was the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the hundreds of volunteers who make it possible for the Society to deliver its many programs to those in need in Tasmania.

“National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate volunteers, recognise their selfless work and the positive impact they have in our communities; and to encourage others to volunteer,” he said.

“Vinnies’ volunteers are one of the organisation’s most extraordinary strengths.”