We say thanks during National Volunteer Week
This National Volunteering Week is the perfect time for us to thank the dedicated group of volunteers who actively support the Leukaemia Foundation’s Vision to Cure and Mission to Care.
"We are very proud to have the support of an outstanding group of passionate women and men who donate their skills, experience and time to a wide variety of tasks" said Peter Cox, Leukaemia Foundation of Australia CEO.
“From school students to corporate teams, retirees to medical and health professionals, every aspect of the Foundation’s work is made better by our dedicated volunteers.
"In 2010-11, our dedicated team of volunteers donated over 46,400 hours of support, equivalent to almost $1 million in dollar terms alone,” he said.
In the last financial year, volunteers engaged in a wide range of activities to extend the work of the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia last financial year including:
- 1,944 hours of administration work, such as reception, data entry and mail preparation
- 7,996 hours supporting fundraising events like Light the Night
- 33,772 hours of transport support, drivers who provide a friendly face to help reduce the anxiety for treatment for patients and reduce the impact on carers.
- 978 hours of professional advice through our Medical Advisory and National Research Program Grant Review committees
The Leukaemia Foundation ensures each volunteer is interviewed, security cleared and trained. The most rigorous training is given to those who transport patients to and from treatment, who also must pass a driving test.
“Many volunteers come to us when their own life is touched by blood cancer, but some come through existing volunteers because of positive word-of-mouth.
“Our volunteers are like family. They make our work more efficient and can be our eyes and ears in our stead. For example, volunteers who drive patients to and from treatment can let us know if they feel someone might need a little extra support.
“It wouldn’t be possible to support people with blood cancer in the way that we do without our volunteers. And frankly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer, please call 1800 620 420 to speak with your local office.
For more information, media details, photo opportunities or interviews, please contact:
Tania Cavaiuolo
