I’m  still a newbie in volunteering circles. Wish I’d known years ago how much I would enjoy it. Regrettably, I don’t think the word was even in my vocabulary…

The volunteering addiction for me started in 2019 when I met the founders of a small koala rescue organisation to help with fundraising. Their purpose resonated with me, their goals, and their absolute dedication to saving wildlife. In those early days, I did whatever I could and whatever they needed me to do.

The organisation is Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue (SKER).

They are a young organisation in the wildlife rescue industry but with dogged determination have grown to boast a fully functioning Rehab Centre and Vet clinic with over 40 volunteers.

But even as the organisation expands and becomes more well known,  the struggle to capture and retain regular volunteer assistance is still very real. This is on the back of no official funding, and only grants and fundraising efforts to keep it afloat.

Younger gens have passion, compassion and energy to make a difference but sometimes life takes them away from availability. Study juggled with part time work, family commitments and socialising become more important.

The older set still have passion and compassion, with maybe a little less energy, (and a few more aches and pains!) But empty nesters and retirees all of a sudden want to travel (how dare they!) or look after grandkids (!!) Once again, volunteering is not front and centre in their minds.

I was speaking to one of the fabulous twenty-something volunteers at SKER a couple of days ago and she was frustrated that friends wanted to volunteer at SKER but couldn’t grasp the concept that it was a rostered ongoing commitment that needed  proper training, and adherence to very strict guidelines to ensure the safety of both animals and humans alike. What a shame.

But that aside, whilst an ongoing commitment may not be everyone’s thing, there’s so many fantastic opportunities to ‘give back’ a few hours, from the community working bees to an organisation who depends on volunteers for its very survival.

So, as the 2025 Volunteer Week wraps up I’m proud to be one of those volunteers who rain hail or shine, sore knees, stiff shoulders, and arthritic finger’s notwithstanding will continue my addiction…

…with a nice warm fuzzy feeling inside. -Bel