International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day (IVD) is an annual observance that recognises the substantial role volunteers play in promoting peace, humanitarianism, and sustainable development across the globe. Initiated by the United Nations, the day is dedicated to appreciating the countless hours volunteers invest in helping communities and individuals in need, as well as the social, economic, and environmental impact they generate. Furthermore, it aims to raise awareness about the importance of volunteerism, encourage more people to engage in such meaningful activities, and foster collaboration among governmental bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and citizens in addressing global challenges.

Introduced in 1985 by the United Nations General Assembly, International Volunteer Day has since gained worldwide recognition, including in Australia. Australians are known for their great spirit of volunteerism, as a significant proportion of the population actively takes part in diverse volunteering efforts, acknowledging and endorsing the value it brings to society. A report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that in 2020, approximately 4.3 million Aussies, or 21% of the population aged over 15, participated in various volunteer work, contributing to the country’s socio-economic well-being and community development.

In Australia, International Volunteer Day is marked with various events and activities aimed at celebrating the commendable work of volunteers and inspiring others to join the cause. Such events include award ceremonies to honour exceptional volunteers, campaigns and workshops to promote volunteering opportunities, organisation-level activities to appreciate the contributions of their volunteers, and various community engagements to address local issues. Taking place annually on the 5th of December, International Volunteer Day serves as a reminder for Australians to continue contributing to creating a better world, by generously devoting their time, skills, and passion to those in need.