During these uncertain and challenging times, it is now more important than ever to recognise, acknowledge and thank all of Tasmania’s volunteers who help ensure services and supports are getting to those who need it.
This year’s National Volunteer Week 2020 theme of “Changing Communities, Changing Lives” provides an opportunity to say thanks to the enormous contribution volunteers make to communities across the state.
More than 2,200 Tasmanians have registered with Volunteering Tasmania’s emergency volunteers crew following the Government’s $130,000 investment to Volunteering Tasmania as part of our Economic and Support Package, joining the more than 1,200 emergency volunteers who had already registered to respond to natural disasters.
It is in part thanks to these volunteers that nearly 12500 ready to eat meals for those less fortunate have been produced this week alone, a 330 per cent increase from pre COVID-19. I would like to also thank the more than 200 volunteers working to co-ordinate the production and delivery of these meals for Tasmanians across the state.
The Tasmanian Government is committed to helping all Tasmanians get through this time of uncertainty, and we will continue to work with our community organisations to ensure we support those in greatest need.
I would like to express my gratitude for the rapid response and hard work that many community sector organisations and their volunteers have delivered to support our entire community during this pandemic, especially those who would have found this situation far tougher without it.
Whether it be fire, flood, or pandemic, volunteers are a true reflection of the Tasmanian community spirit, and I encourage everyone to acknowledge our volunteers who play a pivotal role in times of crisis.
As the response to COVID-19 continues, I urge more Tasmanians who are able to, to register to volunteer and join this coordinated response to help deliver a range of essential services. For more information go to https://www.volunteeringtas.org.au/.
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