Hero reception for volunteer mentor program
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Olympic hero Kieran Perkins was made an Honorary Big Brother at a fundraising auction to mark the International Year of Volunteers (IYV). |
Volunteers of the Big Brothers-Big Sisters mentor-based program for children have been honoured at a fundraising auction to mark the International Year of Volunteers (IYV).
Established in 1982, Big Brothers-Big Sisters is a Jesuit Social Services program that matches lonely or abused children between the ages of seven and 15 with adult mentors.
Each recruitment, screening, training and matching of mentor to a child costs $1,200.
Minister for Community Services and Minister responsible for the IYV in Victoria Christine Campbell said the event was an opportunity to raise awareness and acknowledge the enormous contribution of volunteers dedicated to youth in need.
‘In the past year, volunteers from the Big Brothers-Big Sisters program have contributed a massive 44,200 hours of indirect support with their little brothers and sisters—and that’s from only 170 volunteers,’ said Ms Campbell.
‘Voluntary effort is integral to community development and a high level of volunteering is a good social indicator of a strong, healthy and vibrant society.
‘It is also an indicator of a community that is growing and strengthening.
‘While this year provides the opportunity to recognise the achievements of volunteers, it also underlines the importance of volunteering and the need to maintain the great Australian tradition of lending a hand.’
‘About 1.15 million people or 32.8 per cent of Victorians volunteered in 2000.
‘Victoria’s volunteer rate is higher than the national rate of 31.8 per cent.’
Olympic gold medallist Kieran Perkins was made an Honorary Big Brother at the event, which was hosted by the Premier’s wife Terry Bracks, who is the program’s patron.
Sponsors provided the auction prizes, including two corporate tickets to the 2001 AFL Grand Final, a simulator flight and 12 bottles of wine.
The Victorian Government’s IYV initiatives include the IYV Community Grants Program, which provides funding for projects to promote volunteering and the Volunteer Heroes Awards program, which recognises outstanding contributions by volunteers.
In December, Volunteer Heroes Awards will be presented to nine outstanding Victorians in categories that reflect key IYV themes.
Presentations will be made at the IYV Festival on Sunday, 2 December at the Melbourne Museum.
• Further information is available at www.dhs.vic.gov.au/iyv2001.