Updated November 2018

Form a Friendship, Contribute to a Cause

Whether you like connecting, reaching out, broadening your network or just meeting other human beings, some people decide that making new friends is their New Year’s resolution. It’s a hard one to keep because you can’t just decide to make new friends one day and go ahead and do it (you need their permission – otherwise it’s just weird). But you can set the wheels in motion.

Give your time, get new mates

Volunteering is a brilliant way to meet people from all walks of life and connect with someone you wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise. Remember, friendship works both ways so you won’t be the only one benefiting from this arrangement.

“With all my other resolutions, I don’t have time to volunteer,” you howl. Don’t worry, volunteering doesn’t have to mean you give up your full-time job or your weekends, unless you want it to. There are many opportunities where you can volunteer for a cause you care about as a one off or as and when it’s needed.

Here’s some ideas of how you can volunteer some time and gain some great company in the process:

• Feed Australians in need with Ozharvest. Assist with events, run a market stall, work with chefs, cook for a cause with colleagues, or pick fruit at a local farm.
• Help the homeless with The Salvation Army. Spend time in the community, celebrate thriftiness at a Salvos store, or join the Red Shield Neighbourhood Appeal.
• Support children facing cancer with Redkite. Volunteer at a corporate quiz, or help out at an event.
• Fund a breast cancer nurse with McGrath Foundation. Help at a signature event, like a Pink Test or go behind the scenes at the office.
• Say welcome with food at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. Spend time at the Foodbank or Community Kitchen.
• Call to say you care with The Red Cross. Make a phone call a day to check those less mobile are ok, or just need to have a good yarn.
• Make a furry friend with the RSPCA. Care for animals in shelters, set up shop in an RSPCA store or find friendship at a fundraiser.

Can’t see an opportunity that fits you? Check out Seek Volunteer, Go Volunteer, Vollie and Conservation Volunteers Aus for more options.

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