VOLUNTEERS service their community in many different ways, and a local high school is keenly aware of this generosity as it thanks dozens of its volunteers this week.
This week is National Volunteer Week, and while gatherings are still banned under COVID-19 restrictions, people have found other ways to thank their local volunteers.
Over 30 locals volunteer at Waikerie High School for its breakfast club program and canteen duty alone, and principal Craig Griffiths said many programs would not run without the community’s help.
“We’re very fortunate to have a close connection with our community,” he said.
“Teachers speak regularly with students about the importance of connecting with people outside the school.
“Our volunteers help us run school trips and excursions, sporting events, before and after school programs like mentoring hours and the breakfast club – there’s so much they do for us.”
Mr Griffiths said the volunteers are the backbone of many of the school’s extracurricular programs and activities.
“One of our biggest programs is the breakfast club; a couple of times a week, volunteers from around the town show up to cook bacon, eggs, toast and make hot drinks for the students,” he said.
“Obviously a lot of school programs and events have been cancelled or postponed that we rely on our volunteers for, but the breakfast club is a big one that we’re looking forward to getting back into.
“It really keeps that strong connection between students and the local community.
“Usually, we hold a morning tea catered by the hospitality students as a way of saying thank you to the school volunteers, but naturally we haven’t been able to do that this week. We’re hoping once restrictions ease off to have a belated celebration later.”
To show your appreciation for volunteers in the community, hang a red scarf or ribbon to your front door or mail box this week.