Community-based organisation Samaritans recently recognised the wonderful contributions of its volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week.

Samaritans currently has over 600 volunteers throughout the Hunter and Central Coast regions who support their staff and services in roles including Emergency relief, Disaster Recovery and Retail Shops.

Samaritans commenced in 1984 with a small number of volunteers opening key services, including an Emergency Relief centre, Family and Disability support as well as their first Op Shop.

Event manager, Laura Dawson, said they enjoyed acknowledging and thanking their volunteers, who give their time so generously.

“Samaritans is 30 this year and our volunteers over the years have contributed greatly to our success in supporting locals in need,” Laura said.

“We couldn’t provide the support to our community, without the commitment and generosity of our volunteers.”

In Australia each year, volunteers contribute over 700 million hours of time to organisations and causes requiring assistance and close to 40 per cent of the population volunteer throughout the year.

“Samaritans is fortunate to be supported by many committed volunteers who have been involved with our organisation from our very early years,” Laura continued.

“Our organisation thrives on the efforts and contributions of the many people who work to support our people. We are so grateful to our volunteers for enabling such services.”

Image | Samaritans retail shop coordinator Pauline Sellers (second from left at back) with her shop volunteer