NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK FEATURE

NATIONAL Volunteer Week is an annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of Australia’s volunteers.

This year NVW runs from tomorrow to May 15 and continues the theme Give Happy, Live Happy that was introduced in 2015.

During the week, thousands of events across the country will be held to say thank you to the more than six million Australians who volunteer.

Brett Williamson, CEO, Volunteering Australia said research has found that volunteering makes a difference in people’s happiness. “It’s proven that volunteers are happier, healthier and even sleep better than those who don’t volunteer,” he said. “Australia was ranked No.10 in the latest World Happiness Report and we think it has a lot to do with Australia’s dedicated volunteers.

“The report highlighted Australia as hav- ing the second highest percentage population share of volunteering in registered organisations and we know that number would be even higher outside of the established organisations.

“Just a few hours of volunteer work can make a difference, so pledge to volunteer this National Volunteer Week and you too can Give Happy, Live Happy. We want to make Australia the happiest place on Earth.”