Meet Some of Our Amazing Volunteers!

VolunteerBanner
VolunteerBanner

National Volunteer Week 2018 – A Big Thank Your to Our Dedicated EarlyEd Volunteers!

At EarlyEd we highly value our generous and gifted volunteers, who contribute to the needs of children, family members, staff and EarlyEd as a whole. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and help with a range of projects, from providing an extra pair of hands during our group programs, to making resources, helping us to fundraise, assisting with administrative tasks and providing professional advice.

Over the past year, EarlyEd has trained 21 volunteers, with 13 currently working to provide an ‘added pair of hands’. Additionally we have welcomed the valuable contribution of students from St Augustines’s College and corporate volunteers from Dell EMC as part of the United Way Background Blitz project.

Read about some of our incredible volunteers below who give their time, passion and skills to help support children with disability and their families.

Meet Some of Our Volunteers

volunteers

How long have you been volunteering at EarlyEd?

Since February 2018

What motivated you to volunteer for EarlyEd? 

My daughter was diagnosed with autism, absence seizures and a few other conditions which specialists just can’t seem to diagnose just yet. She is living in Canberra with my ex wife and my son and being so far away from them is so hard for me especially not being able to help with my daughter’s needs. I really felt helpless and wanted to help others that needed help. So I googled volunteer work for children with special needs and found EarlyEd.

What do you do in your role as a volunteer as EarlyEd?

I help in whatever way that I can or that is needed of me. I tend to play and look after the children at the beginning of their session in the outdoor area then move onto the inside area where we all sit down and participate in reading books, singing and dancing and various other activities. Occasionally I will look after a sibling that has no developmental issues and play with them and keep them occupied so they don’t feel left out or feel that they have been dragged to something they really don’t want to go to.

What has been your most inspiring moment as a volunteer at EarlyEd?

I can’t say there is just one moment. There are many things, but just the thank you’s that I get from the kids, parents and EarlyEd staff at the end of each session makes me feel good knowing that I’ve helped out as best as I could for that day.

When you aren’t volunteering at EarlyEd, what keeps you busy?

I’m a Graphic Designer who works for a group of restaurants and also works at one of our restaurants as a waiter. So my week is quite busy.

What would you say to anyone considering volunteering?

If you have been thinking about doing it but are not sure or are too afraid that you might not be good (like I was thinking), just do it. Sign up, go to the orientation days and you’ll be surprised how satisfying it can be. I look forward to every Tuesday and being at the EarlyEd Centre as it is my favourite day of the week.

How long have you been volunteering at EarlyEd?

I’ve had the absolute pleasure of volunteering at EarlyEd since the beginning of this year.

What do you do in your role as a volunteer as EarlyEd?

I assist the special educator at a SportsEd program every week, with a wonderful group of children as well as their parents and carers. This role involves helping to set up and pack away the equipment, encouraging the children as they develop new skills, role modelling the activities, playing with siblings to allow parents to focus on supporting their child, as well as helping to ensure the session run smoothly.

What motivated you to volunteer for EarlyEd?

I had some spare time to give and wanted to volunteer for an organisation that is making a genuine impact in the community. My motivation behind volunteering for the incredibly talented and caring team at EarlyEd, was the hope that in some small way, I could help these kids reach their full potential. I really admired the family-centred approach to early intervention, as well as the multitude of support services which they provided to children with special needs

What has been your most inspiring moment as a volunteer at EarlyEd?

It’s hard to name a single moment, because there are small victories every week. Its inspiring to see how much confidence they gain in themselves, as they improve in terms of how they work in teams, listening to instructions and developing their motor skills. There is also nothing more joyful then seeing children smile and laugh because of the fun that they have with the group every week.

When you aren’t volunteering at EarlyEd, what keeps you busy?

I am currently studying medicine which keeps me busy for most of the week. Volunteering with EarlyEd has definitely inspired me to pursue paediatrics in the future.

What would you say to anyone considering volunteering?

I would definitely encourage them to volunteer with this sensational organisation. The few hours I spend with EarlyEd are genuinely the highlight of every week. Aside from being a lot of fun, I’m constantly inspired by the special educator, parents and especially the children.

Get Involved – Volunteer at EarlyEd!

National Volunteering Week is a great way to get involved and give back to your community. Our volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds. Whether you are looking to help others, gain life experiences, develop new skills in your field of study, there is a volunteering role for you! Click here to learn more about volunteering at EarlyEd >>

Translate »
X