National Volunteer Week, which runs 16 to 23 May 2022, is an annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our local volunteers and this year's theme is "Better Together".
In the 2021/2022 financial year, Cancer Council WA volunteers contributed more than 6,000 hours across all areas of our work. We're so incredibly thankful for all their support, we simply couldn't do what we do without them!
At 9.30am, Thursday 19 May, we invite you to join us virtually as we celebrate our incredible Cancer Council WA volunteers. We encourage our volunteers to join us in celebration of their amazing contributions and invite any prospective volunteers to find out more about becoming a Cancer Council WA volunteer.
Register for virtual Volunteer Week celebration
Meet our amazing volunteer, Darryl Young
In light of Volunteer Week, we wanted to shine the spotlight on one of our amazing and long-time volunteers, Darryl Young. Darryl is immensely generous in spirit, volunteering countless hours to several organisations over 23 years.
Darryl first volunteered at our Cottage Hospice in 1999, where his wife had spent time before she sadly passed away from breast cancer. "I lost my mum and wife when they were both aged just 49. I've got two daughters and three granddaughters, and I don't want to see them go the same way. I thought it was time to give something back so we can defeat the disease," Darryl said.
Darryl has been a tireless cornerstone of the main Cancer Council WA offices since 2003, doing everything from data entry to speaking with donors, and regularly running the Daffodil Day stall at Westfield Whitford City. Even when faced with major health challenges, including a lung condition and open-heart surgery, Darryl has continued to help in any way possible, with his characteristic modesty, compassion, and generosity.
Darryl urges anyone who hasn't tried volunteering before, to give it a go. "Whether it be helping out with your children's sporting teams or with one of the many charitable organisations we have here in WA, I can thoroughly recommend it to you. There is sure to be something that can suit your lifestyle, ability, interest, and skills. The benefits to you and the community are enormous," he said.
"I encourage anyone to get involved, I think more people should do it. Cancer Council WA really look after you and make you feel appreciated. I've never had a morning where I've woken up and thought, I don't want to go today. The staff are all great and keep me feeling young."
Volunteering brings people together; it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone. This National Volunteer Week is a chance for all of us to celebrate and recognise the vital work of volunteers and to say thank you.
Thank you
Thank you to all our incredible volunteers, we couldn't be more appreciative of your kindness, compassion and willingness to support those affected by cancer, when they need it the most.
You can thank all volunteers around Australia by getting involved in Wave For Volunteers. Simply wave a special smile of appreciation from your own home and share your photo online, using #NVW2022 and #waveforvolunteers, and tagging Volunteering Australia.
Together, through volunteering, we are changing communities for the better. We are, Better Together.
