Volunteering Queensland

Once You Give Back, You'll Never Go Back

For Beth Hooper, volunteering has become more than a hobby, it has become a lifestyle. Mrs hooper has been volunteering at the Ruthvern Street Saint Vincent de Paul since 1983 and has never had second thoughts about staying steadfast and loyal to her community.

Volunteering Queensland CEO Di Morgan says thanks to volunteers like Mrs Hooper, volunteering has become an integral part of the Australian economy and culture. “Volunteering contributes $42 billion to the Australian economy and in Queensland alone, there are over 780 000 volunteers registered.”

Mrs Hooper said that she first began volunteering after moving to Toowoomba and wanting the chance to help out in the community.

“I wanted to be able to help people directly. I enjoy working with such a dedicated team of people and I also enjoy the social aspect.”

Mrs Hooper says that the only massive change has been the modernization of the stores. “I remember when I first started most of our products where stored in boxes, of course we have a more modern look these days and display everything.”

Ms Morgan of Volunteering Queensland says that the most popular reason for people to volunteer is to help others and the community they reside in.

“In Queensland alone, over 38% of volunteers work in community and welfare organisations.”

According to Volunteering Queensland statistics, volunteers in Queensland clock up an estimated 116.2 million hours of voluntary work per year.

To find out more about volunteering, please phone Volunteering Queensland on 3002 7600, or visit the website on www.volqld.org.au.