How COVID-19 crisis is creating a new army of volunteers

It’s changed the way we live, devastated economies, and forced people to stay home – but the COVID-19 is also helping to create a new army.

Shaun Li, who photographs activities at Camp Quality events, has won this year's Dick Gillard Award. He’s pictured with Monique, 12, Cameron, 8, and Jennifer, 7 at the Glover Playground. Picture: Emma Brasier

Charities are reporting a surge in new volunteers signing up to help others in their communities in the wake of COVID-19.

As National Volunteer Week kicks off on Monday, they say while some volunteers have taken a break from their roles amid social distancing restrictions, a fresh breed of helpers has come to the fore after finding they have extra time on their hands.

Meals on Wheels chief executive Sharyn Broer said the organisation experienced a 250 per cent increase in new customer inquiries in the lead up to Easter. It put a call out for more volunteers to help cope with the demand, attracting a response from nearly 3000 people over three weeks.

“We were really worried about a reduction in volunteers and that community response to our call out was terrific,” Mrs Broer said.

The organisation has been increasing its frozen food offerings, so fewer trips are needed to clients’ homes, and has also had regular volunteers calling customers to make sure they don’t miss out on vital social connections.

Puddle Jumpers, which supports underprivileged and at-risk children, also reported a surge in community support.

Founder Melanie Tate said while a lot of the volunteers went into self-isolation or started caring for others, it gained “a massive amount of volunteers” including more than 40 applications in one week.

“I’ve noticed people who probably didn’t consider volunteering before have shifted their mindset, which is refreshing and we’ve even had some family groups coming in and volunteering together,” Ms Tate said.

At Vinnies, chief executive Louise Miller Frost said many of the organisation’s 3000 volunteers had to either put their roles on hold, or make big changes because of restrictions.

The organisation’s 36 op-shops were closed due to concerns about potential health impacts, but its Hawthorn branch is leading the way in a gradual planned reopening across the state. About 800 volunteers help run the charity’s emergency relief program, with face-to-face appointments swapped with telephone interviews.

The RSPCA was forced to close its volunteer program, but manager Tahnee Greenan said it was looking forward to reinstating it across all areas.

The closure followed a flood of 500 applications in just a few days to provide foster care for animals.

Volunteering SA&NT is managing registrations for volunteers during the pandemic. Chief executive Evelyn O’Loughlin said people may be needed to help with roles such as transport, administration, deliveries, wellbeing checks or providing call centre support.

Photographer focused on giving back

Shaun Li has a very personal connection to his volunteer work as a companion and official photographer at Camp Quality for the past 11 years.

“When I was a child, I had a cancer called Wilms tumour,” says Mr Li.

“I was offered the chance to go on Camp Quality … I never ended up going because I was too shy, but I really appreciated it.”

Now 34, Mr Li has received this year’s Dick Gillard Award, presented by the childhood cancer charity in each state as part of National Volunteer Week.

He was studying biotechnology and looking to do some volunteer work when he received an email through the university from Camp Quality.

“I thought, that’s the perfect kind of organisation to be a part of and the chance for me to give back, essentially.”

Camp Quality family program co-ordinator Kerrie McDonald has known Mr Li since he started.

“You have people who step up and you know you can rely on them – Shaun is one of those,” she said.

“He’s outgoing and got a great sense of fun. Camp Quality wouldn’t be able to run its programs without our volunteers.”

Photography is now Mr Li’s career, although he also works as a dietitian.

“When you volunteer for an organisation, you don’t do it for any acclaim or award,” he said.

HELP: campquality.org.au

– Patrick McDonald