By JODIE SYMONDS
TODAY is International Volunteer Day.
Local emergency services are calling for young people to get involved in helping their community for International Volunteer Day.
The campaign is looking for Australians between the ages of 18 to 25 to enrol in their local emergency services.
International Volunteer Day encompasses a global celebration of the young people making a difference in their community.
Olinda fire fighter Elissa Jans said the opportunity to join a fire brigade and make a difference over the five years of her involvement has been a highlight.
“I joined the fire brigade because it is a good way to meet new people and encompass leadership skills,” Ms Jans said.
Olinda CFA has five members between the ages of 18 and 25 that are currently involved, as well as a junior fire brigade with members between the ages of 11 to 17.
“We don’t go out to get recognition but it is nice to be rewarded for our efforts.”
Australia currently has more than 260,000 volunteers to lend a helping hand when disaster strikes and are calling for more.
“We get about four to six new members a year when they move into the area, both operational and non-operational,” Ms Jans said.
Local fire fighting services in Olinda also have a National Volunteer Week during the 13 and 18 of May.
Olinda CFA also recognises their fire fighters with district awards to thank their volunteers for their work.
“I was nominated for a prestigious award by the Olinda CFA and came runner-up. It really helps to encourage you to make a difference,” she said.
DoSomething! and the youngest Federal MP Wyatt Roy are looking for more young people to step forward and get involved in their community.
“Many young Australians are already proud volunteers for their local emergency services – but we need even more of them to step forward and get involved,” Mr Roy said.
The DoSomething! website aims to make it easier for locals to get involved in their community by simply searching their postcode.
“The emergency services teams are looking for a wide range of skills, all of which exist in members of the community,” said Jon Dee, the founder and managing director of the DoSomething! charity.
Emergency services are always looking for new members to become involved in their community.
Get involved through the website DoSomethingNearYou.com.au, or contact your local emergency service for more information.
