Volunteering at Minda is for everyone!
Take for example Ruiying, who has been volunteering at Minda for just six months.
Ruiying moved to Australia from China about nine months ago and jumped at the opportunity to volunteer – for the first time in her life.
Riuying, who is studying a degree in IT Enterprise Management, says her motivation behind getting involved was to immerse herself in the Australian culture while also giving back to the community.
“I was searching for volunteer opportunities online and what attracted me to Minda was the Christmas gift wrapping,” she says.
“I inquired about it, got to know the organisation and how it supports people with an intellectual disability. What Minda is doing is wonderful – they have lots of events and everyone is so joyful.”
While she was a little nervous to start due to the language barrier, she is so happy she embraced the opportunity to help others and meet new people.
“When I started, I would question myself if I could do it and also, I was worried about communication, but then I found the clients are very friendly; they showed me their smiles when they interacted,” she says.
“And the people I’ve helped say thank you from the heart. Before I joined Minda, I never realised I could be such a good help.”
"What Minda is doing is wonderful – they have lots of events and everyone is so joyful.”
Throughout the past six months, Ruiying has volunteered at a Footy Fever event, which included live music, sausage sizzle and football-themed arts and crafts, and two gift-wrapping stalls for Christmas and Mother’s Day.
“What Minda does is meaningful and joyful. The staff and volunteers at Minda are highly responsible and helpful and they have given me a lot of support. Everyone has been very patient with me as I learned the language, that’s why I keep putting my name down to volunteer,” she says.
“Based on my experience, Minda is amazing, not just for the events, I get to help clients in the meantime."
“And the people I’ve helped say thank you from the heart. Before I joined Minda, I never realised I could be such a good help.”
“I also enjoy interacting with other volunteers; they all come from different backgrounds so I get to share in other people’s cultures and life experiences.”
From helping in the office, to supporting events, providing entertainment, and taking someone out for a cup of coffee, volunteers are at the heart of Minda’s operations.
She also recently won an award for her efforts, taking home the award for 'Highest Number of Volunteer Hours for a Community Volunteer' at Minda's volunteer awards night as part of National Volunteer Week.
If like Ruiying, you are interested in volunteering your time, Minda has many volunteer opportunities to get involved in.
Check out Minda's many volunteer opportunities here or fill out the form below.