This week marks National Volunteer Week 2020 with this year’s theme ‘
Sixteen local community groups in Reid, a suburb of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, will be celebrating National Volunteer Week with a share in $9 million of federal funding to support local volunteers across Australia.
The Federal Government’s Volunteer Grants provide between $1,000 and $5,000 and will enable large and small organisations in Reid to better support their volunteers purchase small equipment, and cover costs for fuel, transport and training.
Member for Reid, Dr Fiona Martin, said this funding will go a long way in supporting community organisations and their volunteers through what has been a tough year.
“Some of the grant recipients have held bushfire appeals or have been working with vulnerable Australians doing it tough because of the coronavirus pandemic,” Dr Martin said. “I’m so glad that these funds will boost their capacity to volunteer in a time where they’re needed more than ever.”
Some of the groups benefiting from the funding include the City of Canada Bay Men’s Shed, the Children’s Tumour Foundation of Australia based in Five Dock, several religious groups assisting those at risk of homelessness, multicultural community groups, senior groups, sporting groups and the Foundation for a Bloody Great Cause which raises funds for blood cancer research at the Concord Cancer Centre.
“Volunteers are an integral part of the support network in our community. Their contribution is vital to ensuring that we continue to support families, provide employment pathways for young people and strengthen community resilience,” Dr Martin said.
National Volunteer Week runs from 18-24 May and is run by Volunteering Australia. You can get involved in the online activities by visiting Volunteering Australia.
