Volunteers are the people who make our community stronger, more united and welcoming.
Volunteers impact every aspect of our community life, whether they are offering support directly or they've helped someone's relative, friend, made the neighbourhood park more beautiful or raised money for a cause.
Orange City Council wants to take advantage of National Volunteer Week to thank all of its volunteers from the people who deliver meals to older residents, to those who make daily phone calls to check up on people and those who help care for the city's cultural establishments.
Edna Sharp delivering Meals on Wheels
The theme for National Volunteer Week is Recognise, Reconnect, Reimagine.
Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said volunteers were the bedrock of a community and Orange had a strong foundation.
"In the last Census 22 per cent of Orange residents over 15 years volunteered with an organisation or a group," Cr Kidd said.
"That's 1 in 5 people who found time outside all of their other commitments to give back to the community.
"That makes me proud to be part of the Orange community."
Orange City Council's Services Policy Committee Chair Scott Munro said Council would host a thank you afternoon tea for all the volunteers for Council's support service Choices at Home next week.
Volunteers will hear from specialist volunteer trainer and facilitator Karin Smith during an afternoon of catching up and being appreciated for all they do.
"Choices at Home offers a range of services for people in the community from delivering Meals on Wheels to taking people out into the community who may be socially isolated," Cr Munro said.
"Choices at Home coordinates social support programs such as the Men's Group, a community restaurant, as well as offering minor home maintenance for people, such as a gardening service.
"These programs are supported by 130 volunteers, who delivered more than 22,900 meals and supported 4,250 hours of social connectedness for seniors.
"We want to thank each and every one of them for making someone else's life just that little bit more bright."
Anyone who is interested in enquiring about services offered for either themselves or a loved one should call Choices at Home, at 144 March Street, on 6393 8968.
Edna Sharp delivering meals to Ray Martin at his home
