National Volunteer Week started today, recognising the enormous contribution volunteers make to the Rise community. To celebrate, we’ve arranged special breakfasts across Perth to thank our volunteers for the difference they make every day.

At today’s breakfast at the Arts Hub, volunteers shared what inspires them to give their time and support members:
“It’s very rewarding. When you’re helping other people, you get a real buzz out of it.” – Irene McBeath “The amount of friends I’ve made. I love being part of their lives. They’ve got such kind hearts. They are always happy and it rubs off on you – it keeps me going.” – Leon Brien

“I’m passionate about volunteering. I want to give back. It helps me and it helps other people. I like working with people where art is therapeutic and creative.” – Lorraine Becker

“It gives me a sense of belonging and commitment to the community. I picked up on how important it is when my mother needed support.” – Nigel Hodder

“I like to pay back something into the community and help out. It’s making a real contribution and there’s a camaraderie. It gives you another aspect to your life.” – Trevor Allan

“I like chatting to clients and hearing their stories. I like the conversations and meeting people. I like the variety; you never know what’s going to happen.” – Liz Marsh

“It’s good fun. I’ve volunteered all my life. I like the clients. Some of them are very funny and very clever.” – Laura

We look forward to catching up with Rise volunteers at the following breakfasts across the rest of the week.