Senior Executives Give a Little To Change a Lot For National Volunteer Week

Bethanie, Western Australia’s most recognised not-for-profit aged care and retirement living provider has joined forces with the state’s volunteering peak body, Volunteering WA, for National Volunteer Week.

Twelve senior staff members from seven of Perth’s largest organisations came together at Bethanie West Perth Social Centre to lend a hand during morning tea and participate in games with approximately 15 social centre clients.

National Volunteer Week takes place from 21-27 May 2018 and is an annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation’s volunteers. The theme for 2018 is ‘Give a little. Change a lot.’ This theme represents the millions of volunteers who make a significant impact in their communities on society by giving a little of their time.

Twelve staff members from RAC, Woodside, Bankwest, Shell, Beyond Bank, Deloitte and Alcoa kicked off National Volunteer Week by giving a little of their time on Monday, in order to do their part to change a lot. These businesses form part of The Corporate Volunteer Council (CVC) run by Volunteering WA, a coalition of businesses that recognize and promote the importance of workplace volunteering.

Volunteering WA CEO Tina Williams said, “The spirit of the event is these executives coming together to make a difference. It is wonderful when employees are given time to volunteer, and when we see this occur in so many businesses in Western Australia, the impact is huge. If we all give a little, we can change a lot.”

Tina added, “Business volunteering in the workplace is increasing, with 63% of large companies having a workplace-volunteering program, 30% of mid-sized businesses, and 6% of small businesses.”

The volunteering is taking place at Bethanie West Perth Social Centre, which offers a comprehensive program of wellbeing and social activities. The multicultural centre provides the chance for people to meet new friends while participating in various activities. The focus is on wellbeing, with access to community support necessary to continue living well and safely.

Bethanie CEO Chris How understands the importance of volunteers and is pleased the CVC chose the West Perth Social Centre to volunteer at. “With over 4,500 Western Australians in our care, we simply couldn’t operate without our 500-odd volunteers. To see these big businesses doing their part, not just during National Volunteer Week, but on an ongoing basis, is quite humbling.

“Whether it’s through social interaction with a resident, participating in games or helping with the dishes, giving a little does change a lot and every little bit makes such a big difference to help brighten the day of our clients.”

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Pictured: All participants plus Chris How CEO Bethanie and Social Centre clients Ottavio and Leda Bertolini