Volunteers Triumphant Return
Volunteers have returned to the halls of Community College Gippsland, following a one-year break due to COVID restrictions.
The delighted smiles said it all.
“I’m really pleased to be back,” former librarian and current volunteer Shirley Haynes said. “Being a volunteer at CCG is so very rewarding. You build real relationships with the students you are supporting. You get to share in their lives and have a laugh with them – I’ve really missed that in the past year.”
Over the past 3 years, Shirley has helped a number of students to thrive with quiet words of encouragement in the classroom.
“You’re not there to do the job of the teacher,” Ms Haynes explained. “The commitment and skill the teachers have is amazing. But some students could use a little more one-on-one support in the lesson. It feels so good to be able to help them grasp a new concept or translate a hands-on skill into words. You get to be their cheerleader and you make friends for life.”
Community College Gippsland CEO, Sue Geals, said that volunteering was a great opportunity for people to contribute in a way that feels meaningful to them.
“We love our volunteers – we are so grateful for what they bring to our organization. But it’s just as important to know that the experience we are providing is bringing them joy, purpose and social connection too,” Ms Geals said. “We love to empower our volunteers to contribute to things that they really enjoy.”
Volunteers at Community College Gippsland can get involved in a whole range of activities, from supporting students in the classroom like Shirley, to working in the extensive gardens of the 8-hectare property, assisting in the café or helping out at the stables in Logan Park.
“With an organization as diverse as ours, the volunteering options are pretty much limitless!” Ms Geals said.
People interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Volunteer Coordinator, Lisa Campbell on 5622 6000 on Monday or Thursday mornings.
For further information, please phone (03) 5622 6000 or email info@ccg.asn.au