Volunteers are an important part of Opportunity International Australia. Whether they are organising fundraising events, helping out in our offices or travelling with us to developing countries – their work enables us better steward our resources, increase our efficiency and more effectively serve the poor.
This year, the week of 11-17 May has been declared National Volunteers Week, and Opportunity International Australia would like to recognise all the Ambassadors, volunteers and Board members who so generously volunteer their time, skills and expertise to help us with our cause. From university students and interns to industry professionals and experts, we have many volunteers helping us out across the country, helping us increase our outreach to more people living in poverty. To all our incredible volunteers – thank you for your generosity and commitment – it is making a difference.
National Volunteers Week was first held 20 years ago in 1989, and this year's theme is 'Everyday People, Extraordinary Contribution’. Volunteering Australia estimates that Australian volunteers contribute more than 700 million hours of community service to various non-profits and other organisations involved in development, social justice, education, environmental conservation and emergency services. Volunteering is also on the increase in Australia – in 1995, 24% of our population volunteered, while in 2000, 32% did and in 2006, 35% of Australians were contributing in a volunteer capacity.
Asked why she gives up her time to volunteer with Opportunity International Australia, 18-year-old student Kate Kendrew notes: "I love to give and serve – and that’s what Opportunity International Australia is all about!"
Opportunity International Australia is a non-profit organisation that uses a business approach to solve the problem of poverty. Rather than a hand-out, we provide people living in poverty with a small loan to help them start or grow their own small business. This enables them to earn a regular income so they no longer have to struggle to afford food, clean water or proper shelter for their families. If you are interested in volunteering with Opportunity International Australia, visit http://www.opportunity.org.au.
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