Guest Blogger: Recognising Ordinary People doing Extraordinary Things

Volunteers have been a large part of Warrigal Care’s success from the very beginning –our first home was actually started back in 1964 by a small team of volunteers who recognised the need for aged care services in the Illawarra region. They rolled up their sleeves and stepped up to the need. And now, almost 50 years on, volunteers are still providing the support, strength and spirit of Warrigal Care. Attracting volunteers is as important to us as attracting staff, but rewarding volunteers proves to be trickier than rewarding staff.

For some, volunteering is a great way of giving back. It is their way of saying ‘thank you’ to their community that has helped them and provided for them over the years. Some volunteer because they see someone or something in need. For others, it is simply a nice way to spend their time – doing something that they enjoy and sharing that moment with others. After all, time is such a precious resource, more precious than money. And it is the time that volunteers give that makes such a difference to the lives of the residents and family of Warrigal Care.

It doesn’t seem to matter too much to those who volunteer whether their efforts go unrecognised by those around them. Volunteers don’t do what they do for the acknowledgement, for the money or for the kudos. Our volunteers have told us that they do it because it brings joy to the people that they help, and it brings joy to them. That they do it simply because it needs doing and it brings purpose to their lives.

Academics talk of the intrinsic rewards that volunteers get(1) , they say that the feelings of altruism or self esteem, or even the new understandings and skills developed through volunteering are the reward that most people seek when they first undertake their chosen volunteer activities. Given this then how do we, those organisations who appreciate their efforts so much, applaud them in a way that they won’t shy away from? In a way that’s meaningful to them?

One of our Warrigal Care volunteers was recently recognised for all of her extraordinary efforts in volunteering. Carol Gribble has been volunteering at Warrigal Care in one way or another for almost 30 years. She currently works at our Op Shop at Warilla, as well as being a member of our Auxiliary Committee and holding the position of Company Member of Warrigal Care. Earlier this month her efforts were recognised by our peak industry body, ACS, when she was awarded the ACS NSW Award for Excellence in Volunteering.

Carol is exceptional in her commitment and generosity and we appreciate her immensely. Her response when told of the nomination was “I’m not going to a fancy dinner”, and upon winning she commented “it’s not me, it’s everyone here that helps out.”

So how is Warrigal Care best to let Carol know what a good job she does? I’d be interested to hear from other organisations, (especially not-for-profits who often rely on volunteers more than their commercial peers) the best ways you’ve found to recognise your volunteer’s efforts. Or if you are a volunteer yourself, how would you like your efforts to be recognised by those you donate your time to?

Mark Sewell
CEO Warrigal Care

[1] Clary, Mark & Gardener (1996) ‘Volunteers’ motivations: Findings from a national survey’ Non profit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 25(4), pp.485-505).