Giving time through volunteering can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Here are some of the greatest benefits:

SIGNIFICANCE instead of meaninglessness
Who doesn't want to be special? Who doesn't want to make a difference? Helping others provides a way for us to actually matter in this vast, busy and often chaotic world. Volunteering suddenly means that our contribution means something. Through lending a hand to others, we become significant.

CONNECTION instead of crowded loneliness
In many places Australia is becoming over-populated and under-connected.  We meet more and more people, but know others less. For many, loneliness has become the norm, yet we were created for relationships. Making a contribution in an area of our interest often provides a place to meet like-minded people, with whom we can build deep and long-lasting friendships. Joining with other volunteers and chipping in together can nurture and grow relationship.

COMMUNITY instead of individualism
These days popular culture is all about 'me'. Individualism leads us to believe that 'What I want is what really matters'. Unfortunately, this means that I get what I want, and lose what I need. Today's lack of community means that I don't know my neighbours, I've forgotten to care about others and I know myself less. I don't need more of me; I need people and community. Volunteering provides an environment where people get to know each other, work together and form lasting bonds.

Volunteering can be deeply satisfying, allowing you to help others and yourself. When you volunteer, you have an opportunity to make a contribution that counts, connect with others and bring 'community' back to Australia.