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The Great Depression saw one of the first large-scale, nationwide efforts to coordinate volunteering for a specific need. During World War II, thousands of volunteers helped with the many needs of the military and on the home front, including collecting supplies, entertaining soldiers on leave, and caring for the injured.
After World War II, people shifted the focus of their volunteering to other areas including helping the poor, homeless, aged as well as offering their knowledge and experience to developing countries. Volunteering also plays a major role in recovery efforts following natural disaster such as tsunamis, earthquakes, floods and droughts.
Dictionary.com defines the meaning of ‘Volunteering’ as to ‘give’ ‘bestow’ or perform voluntarily.
The UPA of New South Wales is extremely proud of its 770 volunteers who on a daily basis, ‘give’ bestow’ and contribute their time and care to improve the lives of our consumers in many many different ways. There is no end to the activities that engage, stimulate and provide entertainment and enjoyment for our consumers. UPA has residential facilities throughout the Sydney metropolitan and country NSW areas and there are opportunities for volunteering at every location.
Research has shown that volunteering has the ability to improve the quality and health of those who donate their time and that older adults benefit the most and mental ailments may be healed through the simple act of helping others. There are many benefits to volunteering not the least of which is the friendships that can be formed, new people to meet and work with as well as contributing to the local community and gaining a sense of belonging.
The Board of UPA, Regional Executives and sub-committees contribute their skills and experiences at a senior level also on a voluntary basis. They bring quite different skills, particularly competencies necessary to find funding, develop strategic plans and other important aspects of keeping the organisation financially viable and running smoothly.
UPA records it thanks for the wonderful voluntary commitment made by all those who give so freely and willingly of their time, energy and care.
so please contact the Region in your area (click on a link below) or email volunteer@upa.org.au.