After enduring what is considered one of the worst global pandemics of our time together, there has never been more of a demand to help each other. During lockdown, we read about and saw communities coming together to deliver groceries to the elderly, singing from balconies, and helping each other out, making sure neighbours were well, mentally and physically.
Now that we’re getting back to some kind of normalcy, it doesn’t mean you need to stop helping others. There is still work to be done, and organisations and nonprofits need your help.
Here are seven places in Sydney where you can volunteer your time.
Meals On Wheels
What do they do?
For over 65 years, Meals on Wheels has played a crucial role nationally in supporting the health and wellbeing of over 200,000 older Australians every year. Whether raising awareness about the importance of their essential service, to advocating for an increase in Government funding, Meals on Wheels Australia acts in the interests of our local services.
What could you do for them?
Here, volunteers work in pairs, delivering prepared meals to clients at home on weekdays from 11 am to about 1 pm. To be a deliverer, you will need to have a valid driver’s license and vehicle. It’s also good to have a background in safe food handling, workplace, health and safety, and Covid-19 safe delivery protocols.
How do I sign up?
Meals on Wheels requires you to provide two names of referees who will be contacted by phone. They will also do a criminal background check, but other than that you can apply here.
Sydney Dogs and Cats Home
What do they do?
Sydney Dogs and Cats Home is the only not-for-profit pound in Sydney. They aim to provide shelter, food and veterinary care to lost, homeless and abandoned animals, primarily dogs and cats, in association with the local councils of Sydney.
What could you do for them?
There are a few ways to get involved. First, you can sign up to be a general volunteer. Some of the tasks include walking the dogs, cleaning, feeding, grooming and of course playtime with the animals. If you have the room, you can become a foster carer, where you take in an animal for a period of time. Lastly, you can help fundraise by throwing a party and getting people to donate, creating a gift registry for the pets, starting or signing up to a local fun run, and donating drink containers through return and earn.
How do I sign up?
To sign up to be a volunteer you can register your interest here. If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, you can register via the forms here, depending on which animal you would like to look after. To get involved with Fundraising visit here for more information.
Take Kare Safe Spaces
What do they do?
The program provides a range of support from basic to critical in its’ assistance to young people who are out and about in the city as well as anyone who may need some help. Whether it’s providing essential first aid or helping someone get to public transport, reconnecting them with their friends, handing out bottles of water, the Take Kare Ambassadors will be helping young people get home safely.
What could you do for them?
As a Take Kare Ambassador you have the opportunity to make an invaluable contribution in keeping young people safe and improving Sydney’s nightlife and amenity so that we can all have a good night.
How do I sign up?
To register your interest simply register for an account here and fill out the forms directed to. All volunteers are checked and if successful you will undergo an induction before your first shift.
Pets In The Park
What do they do?
Pets In The Park is a not-for-profit organisation providing free access to preventative health care programs that help people experiencing homelessness care for their pets and supporting the wellbeing of homeless people in society living with animal companions.
What could you do for them?
If you’re a veterinarian or veterinarian nurse you can volunteer your time helping the pets who come in for medical attention. If you’re not one of those, don’t worry you can still help. Volunteers help with marketing, fundraising, events, and tech support.
How do I sign up?
To express your interest in volunteering, regardless of which field you want to donate your time to, fill out this form.
Seed
What do they do?
Seed is Australia’s first Indigenous youth climate network. Their vision is for a just and sustainable future with strong cultures and communities, powered by renewable energy. The growth of the Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network is supported by the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC). Alongside the AYCC, they educate, inspire and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to lead climate campaigns and projects across the country.
What could you do for them?
You could be a part of building a more just and sustainable world. Use the skills you already have to work with the community and introduce social change.
How do I sign up?
To sign up for Seed, you need to be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. You can sign up using the form here. Although, if you are a non-indigenous person, you can still sign up to volunteer with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition.
Sydney City Farm
What do they do?
Sydney City Farm in Sydney Park is a place to learn about urban agriculture and sustainable food production.
What could you do for them?
Education and event volunteers support the farm’s education programs and events. Shifts range from 1 hour to a half-day and are rostered. Volunteers are needed for events, education programs, and farm volunteers. This is an opportunity to do interesting and rewarding work, learn new skills and interact with others who share similar interests.
How do I sign up?
To become a volunteer, call or email your interest.
NSW SES
What do they do?
The NSW SES is an emergency and rescue service dedicated to assisting the community. They run on volunteers to provide emergency assistance to the people of NSW 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Responsibilities include road accident rescue, bush search and rescue, flood and storm emergencies, and vertical rescue.
What could you do for them?
As an SES volunteer, you will be supporting the needs of the community and helping the organisation prepare and respond to emergencies. They welcome volunteers from all walks of life. You can become a unit volunteer, community action team member, corporate volunteer, and spontaneous volunteer in times of need.
How do I sign up?
You can register your interest to be a volunteer via the website.
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