Volunteering is a wonderful and enriching experience which not only gives back to the community, but also provides purpose, improves connection, and can even increase levels of happiness.
We sat down for a chat with Olivia Gandolfo, who has volunteered with CatholicCare Victoria for seven months, to discover how volunteering has had a positive impact on her life.
Photo: Olivia Gandolfo
How did your interest in volunteering come about?
I saw it as a pathway to employment. I wanted to keep up my involvement in the workforce while I waited for my Marketing and Communication course to start.
I started volunteering in admin at CatholicCare Victoria, then I was offered to volunteer in Marketing and Communications, which is what I wanted to do, so it was good for me. I did end up getting a job recommendation as a Marketing and Communications Officer, but I couldn’t take it at the time.
I’ve also helped out with putting together Christmas hampers for people in need last December (2022).
What do you enjoy most about volunteering at CatholicCare Victoria?
The people, and the opportunities. Relationships are important and they help you grow and work effectively.
The experience is invaluable as I don’t know how I’d get a job in Marketing and Communications easily without it. It gets my foot in the door as soon as I finish my course.
I’ve continued to volunteer one day a week while I study.
Has volunteering had a positive impact on your life?
Contributing is really important and makes you feel valuable. And it makes you feel confident, because it makes you feel worth something.
I have met people and made new friends through volunteering.
Liz Gellel | Manager, External Marketing and Communications