5 min read
Around the world, more than 1 billion people volunteer annually for causes as diverse as their own backgrounds.
On the 5th of December every year, these volunteers are recognised through the United Nations’ International Volunteer Day, a day to acknowledge and promote volunteerism locally, nationally and internationally.
This International Volunteer Day, we want to highlight some of our Mipac team members who go above and beyond for our communities throughout the year, volunteering their time, energy and resources to causes they care about.
Here they are:
Introducing our Mipac volunteers
James Cramb
Senior Control Systems Engineer, Mipac
How long have you been volunteering with the SES?
About 25 years.
Why did you decide to get involved in this cause?
The cause was of interest and it’s a great way of serving the community.
What kinds of situations are you involved in over the course of your duties with the SES?
As SES, we respond to many different types of activations as a result of disasters and emergencies, including cyclones, storms, floods, evacuation and assisting other emergency services at crime scenes, forensic searches, searches for missing persons and bush fires.
What’s the most intense situation you’ve been involved in as a volunteer?
Assisting the police in the search for a number of missing people over the years, coordinating tasking for the local area during the 2011 floods (and travelling to Grantham to assist in the search for missing flood victims) and assisting during the 2015 floods in the Moreton Bay Council area.
Can you tell us more about Andy’s Place?
Andy’s Place is as organization that hosts a sit-down lunch (“The Community Meal”) every Saturday at Saint Andrew’s Uniting Church Hall in Brisbane CBD.
Volunteers cook and serve a 2-course meal to all-comers (mostly the homeless and/or disadvantaged, but doors are open to anyone). It’s done as a full table service, with table dressings and volunteers waiting on guests. They also have a “shop” where guests can get clothing, toiletries and packaged food donated by others to take with them. The intention is to not just to give the meal and supplies, but to create a sense of community and mutual respect for our guests.
What do you do as an Andy’s Place volunteer?
I generally volunteer as part of the service team. On any given day, you can either be plating up food, serving guests at tables, manning the shop, serving tea/coffee or washing dishes. I was a supervisor for a few years but not lately due to work commitments. I typically volunteer once a month when I’m not away for work.
How long have you been involved?
About six years.
Why is this cause important to you?
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Tell us a bit more about your volunteering involvement.
I’ve always liked to do something somewhere, when I can. A bit here and there. This year I did a bit with 4Voices – a charity with a mission to connect girls and women seeking change (those facing a range of issues that have caused them to feel isolated, unhappy, or unable to emerge from their own plight) as well as with Andy’s Place, which Dean got me onto.
What does the organisation 4Voices do?
The volunteers set up a van at the shelter and provide a listening ear, internet services, help with resumes and so on, as well as tea, coffee, snacks and some clothing.
Why do you enjoy volunteering?
I love building bonds and it makes me happy to connect with people and understand their experiences. I know that anyone of us at any time could face tough times and need support.
Conclusion: How will you celebrate International Volunteer Day?
This International Volunteer Day, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the amazing volunteers in our communities and thank them for their contributions.
Do you volunteer? Let us know in the comments below!
Want to learn more about Mipac's culture?
Visit our careers page.
