Whether they know it or not, everyone who lives, works and plays in the Adelaide Hills benefits from the positive changes hundreds of generous volunteers bring to the community.
As this very challenging year draws to a close, International Volunteer Day on 5 December provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate the time, skills and knowledge of so many people who are significantly enhancing the lifestyle, health and wellbeing of our Adelaide Hills community.
Mayor Jan-Claire Wisdom will certainly be celebrating the team of local volunteers who are making the world of difference to the district, especially during recent emergencies and challenging times.
"The theme for 2020's International Volunteer Day - Together We Can Through Volunteering - is shining a spotlight on the contribution of volunteers like Wally Jaeger and encouraging us all to thank our local volunteers for their efforts," Mayor Wisdom says.
"The courage and conviction shown by volunteers like Wally bring connection, compassion and companionship into our Hills community."
After a long and busy working life that included caring for his elderly father, Cudlee Creek resident, Wally Jaeger, chose to channel his energy and expertise into volunteering as the Torrens Valley Community Centre community bus coordinator and guest pianist for the Positive Ageing 'Mind Matters' program in Woodside.
Wally is thrilled so many people in their 80s and 90s are getting into volunteering and his advice to anyone considering it is "Go for it!"
"Volunteering has been the best part of my working life," Wally says.
"You don't have any of the pressures, but you get a lot of satisfaction from achieving things, keeping your brain active and your skills up."
"You also receive so much back from the community who truly appreciate the efforts we make - whether it's a word of thanks or a gift of some sort, it's great to feel valued."
The Adelaide Hills has one of the highest rates of volunteering in Australia and is proud to promoting the United Nations General Assembly #IVD2020 and celebrating the contribution of all our volunteers.
To get involved with @UNVolunteers IVD2020 head to @adelhillscouncil and use the hashtags #TogetherWeCan and #IVD2020 and the blue heart emoji to highlight the positive feeling, solidarity, and compassion we feel for our treasured volunteers.
