Volunteers give us that little bit extra

Next Tuesday will be a day to thank and recognise the effort of volunteers in the Albany community.

These volunteers will be recognised on Thank a Volunteer Day during an afternoon tea.

The day is held each year on December 5 to give communities the opportunity to thank their volunteers and to raise public awareness of the work of volunteers at a local, national and international level.

Albany and Regional Volunteer Service manager Tracy Sleeman said the day was about recognising the many local volunteers for the outstanding contribution they made to the community and showing appreciation through celebration.

“While there are many reasons why we choose to volunteer — including the benefits of learning new skills, being active, work experience, making new friends and enjoying doing something you love — you also get to help others in our community,” she said.

“It is also important that volunteers remember never to forget how much they are appreciated and valued by so many in our community.

“The difference between extraordinary and ordinary is that little ‘extra’ and you, as volunteers, have that little extra and our community thanks you.”

Thank a Volunteer Day was established by the United National Assembly in 1985 and has taken place in Albany since 2003.

Volunteers will be thanked at an afternoon tea with entertainment, free raffles and gifts from 1.30pm at Albany Lottery House on North Road.