Sharing the volunteering spirit

Volunteering

You're never too young, or old, to volunteer at the University of Adelaide.

The university receives an enormous amount of support from its contingent of some 1500 volunteers, across all faculties and campuses.

With National Volunteer Week taking place from May 9 to 15 in order to recognise and celebrate the important role volunteers play, there's no better time to become a volunteer, just like 24-year-old Alex Brown, who graduated from the university with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2001.

Since that time, in addition to his full-time job as an accountant at Kennedy & Co and studying to become a Chartered Accountant, he has become involved with the university's Commerce Alumni, serving as president in 2004 and as secretary
this year.

"It has been a fantastic opportunity to meet and work with people from a diverse range of backgrounds," Alex said. "Volunteering is a great way to make new friends, to share ideas and experiences, and learn from others while having fun at the same time.

"It was a busy year (as president), but also a thoroughly enjoyable one. The Commerce Chapter is still in the growth phase, reflected by the growth in our membership from 170 to over 400 last year. Consequently, a lot of our work was done at the grass roots level, getting graduates, students and staff interested and involved in our activities.

"When you can see the end result having a positive impact on the community around you, it is very satisfying."

For more information about volunteering at the University of Adelaide, visit: www.adelaide.edu.au/volunteers

Story by Ben Osborne