International Volunteer Day – 5 December 2010
5 December marks International Volunteer Day.
Governments cannot do everything and our community benefits greatly from those who give their time, skills and energies voluntarily to worthwhile endeavours.
There are 2.4 million volunteers in NSW which is an indication of the level of generosity of people in our State.
Today recognises these important people.
The Federal Member for Berowra, the Hon Philip Ruddock MP, has been a strong supporter of volunteers and volunteer organisations in his Electorate for many years.
“On this day I want to thank all volunteers for their valuable work which often goes unrecognised”, Mr Ruddock said.
On 19 November 2010 Mr Ruddock honoured the work of one of these valued volunteers organisations, Hornsby Meals On Wheels, which recently celebrated 45 years of service to the Hornsby community.
It was started in 1965 by a local Councillor, Edith Parrish, whom Mr Ruddock knew through his late father, former State Member for The Hills, Max Ruddock.
Mr Ruddock presented ‘Certificates of Appreciation’ to those with dedicated records of voluntary service to Hornsby Meals On Wheels.
“One of the issues volunteer organisations increasingly face with the high levels of participation in the paid workforce is that it is more difficult to attract people to offer their time voluntarily” Mr Ruddock said.
“These are the people who have built such pride and community spirit in the Electorate” he added.
Mr Ruddock was delighted on 26 November 2010 to host an afternoon tea in his Electorate Office for overseas volunteers where he handed them ‘Certificates of Appreciation’.
International Volunteer Day is the ideal time to consider what you can do to help others in the local community and join them.
Mr Ruddock has extensive involvement with volunteer groups active in the Berowra Electorate and his staff would be more than happy to discuss the range of options available to anyone interested in being a volunteer.
Please ring Mr Ruddock’s Electorate Office on 9980 1822 for information.