Volunteering: Giving more than it takes - ABC Local

In Canberra we have the highest rate of volunteering in Australia, with 37 per cent of the ACT population volunteering their time in some form, according to Volunteering ACT's Rikki Blacka.

Most Canberra volunteers are in the community care and welfare area, she says, just like Natasha Hudson.

Baby therapy

Natasha and her baby Zosia volunteer at Goodwin Monash's David Harper House where they provide company and laughter for the elderly residents.

"She gives a smile to every person she lays eyes on," Natasha says of her daughter.

"These men and women have stories of their own - they're mothers, fathers, grandparents, great grandparents, or they just simply adore the joy and the innocence of children and just watching that interaction is pretty special."

Natasha says she used her own initiative to set up a volunteering situation that works for her.

"From a selfish perspective, it just makes me happy... and it is nice to make other people happy and kind of brighten up someone's day even if it is just for a couple of minutes."

'It adds meaning to life'

Robyn Jewell moved to the nation's capital about five years ago and shortly afterwards signed up to become a palliative care volunteer as a way to meet people and "do something useful".

Now she volunteers at Clare Holland House about once a fortnight.

"It's given me more than I've given it," she tells 666 ABC Canberra's Adam Shirley. "It adds meaning to one's life."

Robyn says her volunteering goes far deeper than just giving to the local community.

"I'm using the skills I have and I'm deriving a sense a meaning out of my life. It broadens and enriches my life immensely, enormously."

Smiling faces

Jackie Thornton has been volunteering for several years at the Florey Primary School Canteen and is now paid for about three days per week, and volunteers another four days.

"It's awesome to see the kids faces every day," Jackie tells Adam.

She is particularly proud of the healthy choices provided.

"To see them buying more healthy food as well, it sort of gives you a little bit more - when they buy a carrot stick and you see the smile on their face because they have a carrot stick instead of something greasy and oily."

National Volunteers Week continues until Sunday.