The volunteers spoke with the newspaper this week about their involvement with volunteer groups and how anyone in Griffith can get involved. 

If you have a particular group you’d like to get involved with, head to the Griffith Community Services Directory to find out all the information on the various groups in town.

Country Women's Association Griffith Branch

The Griffith branch of the CWA is a network of support and friendship for women who are also committed to improving conditions and welfare of families and providing a voice to government at all levels.

What got you into volunteering?

I felt I needed to give something back to the community that had given so much to me. I also felt I needed to get to know more community members.

Why do you continue to do it?

I love it. I’m interested in the organisations I volunteer for and as you get older it keeps you mentally alert.

What's the biggest challenge involved?

My biggest challenge is as I’m getting older, I feel I’m not capable of doing all the things I used to do.

Why should other people get involved in volunteering?

I think if you live within a community it doesn’t hurt to give back a little. You also get to know the community and understand it a lot better.

Griffith Show Society

The Griffith Show Society puts together the town’s agricultural show held over the October long weekend at the Griffith Showgrounds.

What got you into volunteering?

Well, I have always enjoyed being apart of the Griffith Show ever since I was little. Always putting in decorated Arnott’s Biscuits, cake decorating and even my artworks – at least I thought they were worthy of winning. Then in 2014 I was asked if I would like to run as Showgirl. It opened my eyes to a whole other side of the Griffith Show. Throughout, I met people that encouraged me to stay and help out and I did. I haven't looked back.

Why do you continue to do it?

Those amazing people, the entire show committee. They are so dedicated and are committed to bringing smiles to kids – like my 10-year-old self who thought she was an amazing artist – and families and to keep a tradition that encourages the entire community to celebrate agriculture. I aspire to be like them.

What's the biggest challenge involved?

In the great scheme of things, it's not that hard. We did face little hurdles but I loved facing those hurdles. I not only learnt about teamwork but a lot about myself. Plus it is a huge event and I rely on a lot of other volunteers to help me out – that amazing committee again. Besides, without a challenge it wouldn't have been interesting.

Why should other people get involved in volunteering?

It is the most rewarding experience. I met so many wonderful people and gained so many skills. I admit, I used to have the stigma that it was challenging and hard to get in to but it was the best decision I have made and I encourage everyone to contribute by volunteering for your community.

Griffith Suicide Prevention and Support Group

Griffith Suicide Prevention and Support Group operates a 24-hour telephone crisis line, 1300 133 911, that offers counselling, advice and referral support for people lonely, depressed or affected by suicide.

What got you into volunteering?

I had retired from work and wanted to more actively contribute to the community. I have a welfare background so a suicide crisis line really interested me.

Why do you continue to do it?

Being there for someone when they are in crisis and when they are in a very vulnerable state. Having the time to listen to them and give them hope is very important and very rewarding. 

What's the biggest challenge involved?

The biggest challenge is to recruit more volunteers to the service. We are always in need of volunteers, the more we have the less the workload on existing volunteers. 

Why should other people get involved in volunteering?

Volunteering in any form is just so rewarding. To be available and willing to listen when someone in need calls is a great gift to give and receive. It's really a win-win for both the volunteer and the person in need. I suggest everyone become a volunteer at some point in their life, it will certainly enrich your life.

Lions Club of Griffith

The Lions Club are a group of people who are dedicated to making our communities a better place to live, work and grow.

What got you into volunteering?

I just liked what Lions do. It’s the biggest service club in the world and they help out everywhere.

Why do you continue to do it?

Just the satisfaction of helping others that are not so fortunate. There are so many people that don’t have what they really deserve and we help where we can.

What's the biggest challenge involved?

Getting younger ones involved. I’m in my 70s and most of the club members are older than me and we can’t get young ones interested to join like we used to.

Why should other people get involved in volunteering?

Firstly, you have to want to do it and when you feel like you can help somebody, that’s when you look into volunteering.

I try to tell people, you’re not going to be saddled with a job here and there when you join up. Everyone has expertise in something and you help where you can.

Relay for Life

Relay For Life is a fun and moving overnight experience that raises vital funds for the Cancer Council’s research, prevention, information and support services.

What got you into volunteering?

My wife was diagnosed with cancer and the Riverina Radiotherapy Appeal came along. I went along to the Yoogali Club, said too much and ended up volunteering. Having experienced being away from home, we had empathy toward it and with it we got to meet people such as Deanna Marriott.

Why do you continue to do it?

I believe we are making a difference. There’s a lot of reward knowing you help out. You meet some exceptional people along the way and it’s rewarding to the see the difference it makes in their journey as a volunteer or as a patient.

What's the biggest challenge involved?

Time management. Just juggling time and other activities. You really have to balance it out to give as much as you can. 

Why should other people get involved in volunteering?

Firstly, because we’d be buggered without charities and we need people doing that work. You can certainly make a big difference if there’s enough of us working together.

Griffith Can Assist 

Griffith Can Assist provides direct financial assistance to local cancer patients who are financially traumatised due to their illness.

What got you into volunteering?

I had retired from work and I was looking to do something within the community for the community. I especially wanted to help a cause that was entirely for Griffith.

Why do you continue to do it?

The motivation to stay with volunteering is the gratitude shown by patients. It’s a great feeling when someone comes up to you and says ‘Thank you, I’m now in remission’. For me that’s what’s maintained my motivation – when you see the difference it makes to families.

What's the biggest challenge involved?

The most challenging thing would be hearing the stories of patients struggling through such stressful times. You have to stay strong for them. Another would be to maintain strong funds so when someone needs help, we know we can provide the care and comfort needed. Local businesses play a big part in keeping us funded.

Why should other people get involved in volunteering?

I’d say mainly the friendships you make along the way. You become a part of a community with a lot of other people who share the same passion. You can come along and make some new friends while doing something worthwhile.

Country Hope

Country Hope provides family centred support services – including the group’s new tutoring service – to country children diagnosed with cancer and other life threatening illnesses.

What got you into volunteering?

I just wanted to give back to the community after receiving help. A the time, I'd lost members of my family to cancer and I wanted to give back.

Why do you continue to do it?

I continue to do it to help get the children better. We help families dealing with not only cancer but other life threatening illnesses.

What's the biggest challenge involved?

Looking after children who aren't going to get better and giving them the best quality of life possible. We have to be strong to see them through their journey. For example, we help kids who have cystic fibrosis which is something you never get past.

Why should other people get involved in volunteering?

Everyone should get involved with volunteering because there's a call for it and there always will be a call for more volunteers. There's a lot of charities in this town that do need help. It's a very rewarding feeling to be able to help these families.