Join us at the Volunteering Expo 2021 👍

There is no better exercise for your heart than reaching down and helping to lift someone up.

Bernard Meltzer

Welcome to Volunteer for Knox News

Registered Volunteers
Winter 2021

Volunteering Through the Pandemic

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been significant and this has led to significant change in the volunteer sector.

While COVID-19 has self-isolated billions of people, it has prompted millions to volunteer in many innovative ways — from making face masks to helping elderly neighbours with shopping to virtual concerts and Yoga classes.

We are learning that volunteers want a lot more flexibility in positions, that they are younger and open to online positions and working from home.

While online volunteering isn’t a new concept, the pandemic was forcing change at a greater speed.

We know volunteers or potential volunteers have been looking for more flexible opportunities for many years.

Volunteer Expo

Wednesday 13 October

The Volunteer for Knox team will be holding a Volunteer Expo later in the year to showcase volunteer opportunities in the City of Knox.
Where: Westfield Knox Community Space (Level 1, Outside Myer)
When: Wednesday 13 October
Time: 12.00noon – 5.00pm

National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week (NVW) is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteers. From Monday 17th to Sunday 23rd May 2021, NVW will celebrate the significant contribution of Australia’s almost six million volunteers. Each year these volunteers dedicate over 600 million hours to help others.

Volunteer for Knox celebrated National Volunteer Week on May 19 with a celebration morning tea at the Westfield Knox Community Space.

More than 50 volunteers attended from organisations including Meals on Wheels, Knox Community Chess Enthusiasts, Knox community houses, the Australian Jazz Museum and Swinburne University.
The food was incredible and the volunteers really appreciated being appreciated!

Responding to Emergency Situations

One thing Volunteer for Knox does well is respond quickly to emergency situations. Here are two projects we were recently involved in.

Volunteer for Knox Soup Angels – Dandenong Ranges Storm Relief

Volunteer for Knox worked in conjunction with Coonara Community House volunteers to cook and deliver pots of hot soup to our neighbours in the Dandenongs severely affected by the June storm that wiped out many communities. They will be in recovery for many months to come. We’d also like to thank so many community members who donated food to feed the many families without power.

Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Mentors

Volunteer for Knox worked in conjunction with the Eastern Suburbs largest provider of Covid Vaccinations at Wellness on Wellington in Rowville to assist residents with low digital literacy skills to make an appointment through the Hot Docs app. So far 200 people have been supported through the process and appointments made!

Volunteer for Knox Training

Not everyone is a natural at administration, “tech stuff”, supervision and leadership, but you can always learn and upskill! Start building on your skills by enrolling in a Volunteer for Knox training session facilitated by trainers at the five Knox Community Houses, the governance team of Volunteer for Knox. Click here to take a look at our Term 3 Training calendar.

www.volunteerforknox.com.au/training