In the lead up to Christmas, various organisations, receive lots of requests from people interesting in volunteering over the Christmas period.
There are some things you need to remember when you approach an organisation to for Christmas Volunteering:
1. Register early
For most organisations it is usually a case of first in best dressed. Contact the organisation you want to volunteer for and see if they have any Christmas roles available. Please note that many organisations have a closing date for Christmas applications (check on the organisation’s website or ask when you phone them).
2. Job criteria
You will need to meet special criteria for each individual volunteering role. Ask the organisation for a job description and ensure you meet each of the criteria listed before applying for the role.
3. Background checks
If the role you are applying for is working with the aged, youth or any other at-risk or vulnerable group you will need to undergo a Police Check and/or a Working with Children check.
4. Training
You will need to undergo training for the volunteering role you have applied for. Most organisations hold training days for new volunteers. These are sometimes held in the evening or on the weekend depending on the organisation.
Joy is needed all year round…
Christmas is an important time of the year, many people feel they would like to make a contribution to the society they live in, however, due to such overwhelming interest; some organisations find there are not enough volunteering opportunities for all those who wish to generously give of their time.
Volunteers are an extremely valuable resource within our community so why not consider volunteering at other times throughout the year.
Ongoing volunteer opportunities after Christmas Volunteering
You can choose from ongoing volunteer positions where you set aside a few hours each week to help a non-profit organisation. Contact The Centre for Volunteering NSW at www.volunteering.com.au where you will find their newest volunteer jobs or visit www.seekvolunteer.com.au where you will find a comprehensive list of volunteer positions currently available throughout NSW and Australia. Many of these jobs are listed by The Centre for Volunteering NSW us and can be applied for online. Once they have received your application they will contact you to arrange a time to discuss your requirements with you and refer you to a suitable position if you are unable to go online contact them on 9261 3600.
Event Volunteering
Alternatively you can volunteer for one or more of the many special events held in Sydney during the course of the year – browse online through the list of upcoming events needing volunteers.
Free volunteering information session
Finally, if you have never volunteered before and would like some more information on what it means to become a volunteer, we encourage you to attend Bridge to Volunteering; a free information session run on Fridays, 10.30am–12.30pm. Please call us on 9261 3600 to book at The Centre for Volunteering NSW.
