Inspiring Applications
Thanks for sharing your stories and hopes about making a difference through volunteering. Here are just some of the wonderful women, aged 50 and over that we’ve heard from and some of their sentiments on what volunteering means to them.
 |
“You’re never too old to learn something new or face new challenges. I now have the time and enthusiasm to do just that! Having a command of working English is crucial in today’s world and I want to be part of this learning process. The Thailand Project is so worthwhile and important for the future of these children. By volunteering, I hope to give back to others as well as satisfy my urge to see the world. I have skills, strengths, creativity, a sense of fun and boundless energy and enthusiasm to offer. I love working with people of all ages and the chance to experience Thai culture as a local, rather than a tourist, would be incredible. Nothing is as rewarding or satisfying as giving of yourself.
Volunteering over the years with both the young and old has given me a perspective on life I would otherwise never have had. So much can be learned from others and I often feel that in helping someone, you grow and benefit in the ways that matter- emotionally and spiritually.”
Sue Blanning, Berowra Heights, NSW |
| |
|
 |
“I see this initiative as a unique and refreshing opportunity for older women in the community to be eligible to use their significant life experiences to participate in such special projects. To be able to help in the Pidwa Conservation Project to ensure the future of these unique animals would be an honour and a once in a lifetime experience.
I have always had a passion for animals and am inspired by this opportunity to participate in the research behind the conservation and breeding program for the region’s endangered animals. I have had 30 years hands on experience with my own breeding program with pedigree Birman cats. My objective over this time has been to improve the breed worldwide.”
Liz Robinson, Calwell, ACT |
| |
|
 |
“I have a love of children, and am amazed at how quickly language skills develop. I have a grandson and am fortunate enough to spend quite a lot of time alone with him. We love to read and to chat together - he is just two, but the speed of his language development is quite amazing, so I have a keen interest in pursuing this particular project. I have a strong belief in the importance of contributing something special to this world of ours, and I believe that the life skills we women develop as we mature in this very lucky country of ours are special enough to pass along to others, especially in the learning environment for children.
I have always found volunteer work to be personally satisfying - I consider myself to be living a fortunate life, and I sincerely believe that we get back more on a spiritual level than we give when we give of ourselves to the community. Community volunteering is also personally rewarding from the point of view of meeting new people and opening ourselves up to new friendships.”
Elaine Turnbull, Medlow Bath, NSW |
|
| |
 |
“As I am fiercely passionate about the conservation of the flora and fauna on our planet for our future generations, I see this as an opportunity to make a positive contribution as an individual and to gain knowledge of the current circumstances in that particular area so I can speak with conviction to others who are also interested in helping our planet….
If everyone spent just a little time or effort each week or month in doing something that would benefit others or the environment, just think how much better the whole world would be. ”
Virginia Hardaker, Willetton, WA |
 |
“I think the best thing I enjoy about helping others is the chance to make their day a little easier or perhaps more pleasant than it would otherwise have been.
I visited Kruger about 10 years ago and was stunned by the scenery and the proximity to the wildlife. Helping to preserve what I saw then would certainly give me a feeling of satisfaction and fulfilment and what a brilliant experience I would gain at the same time!!”
Diane Hunt, White Hills, TAS |
 |
“To do something to help these lovely people would be a wonderful opportunity. I would especially value the chance to live with these people and really get to know them as opposed to being a tourist in their country. I can see that improving their understanding of the English language would make a considerable difference to the choices they would have in life. Playing games and creative activities with them would be so much fun, and I should think I would learn as much from them and they would from me.”
Annabelle Dennehy, Burbank, QLD |
 |
“I thrive on learning about different cultures and what better way to learn a culture than to live amongst it and immerse yourself in the language. I travelled to South East Asia 'on a shoe string' in the 1970's. I have since always wanted to return and contribute something positive back. I feel inspired with the knowledge that I could make a positive difference to these children's lives by teaching them spoken English.”
Christine Brickhill, Beelbangera, NSW |
|
