Photo: Supplied.
If it weren’t for the hardworking volunteers who go above and beyond for their communities, many not-for-profit organisations like Here’s to Life Redlands Inc simply wouldn’t exist.
Each week, a group of dedicated individuals gathers at the Redlands Memorial Hall in Cleveland to create something special by bringing joy and connection to mature-age adults and people living with a disability.
In honour of National Volunteer Week (May 18–24), Here’s to Life Redlands Inc manager Renee Allotta said she would be lost without her “unsung heroes” who generously give their time and talents to help others live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
“We simply couldn’t run without our volunteers – they’re absolutely essential to everything we do because I can’t be in five places at once,” she said.
“We have roughly 25 volunteers who take on a range of roles like opening the hall in the morning and setting everything up for the day, to assisting the teachers in the disability classes to ensure each one runs smoothly, greeting people and doing admin tasks at the reception desk, and even helping with our marketing and fundraising initiatives.
“Everybody loves what they do and loves helping other people. Because of that, we all have a lot of fun and plenty of laughs throughout the day.”
The theme for this year’s National Volunteer Week is ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, which invites people across Australia to make 2026 a year of meaningful involvement, in ways that work for them.
“We’re always looking for more volunteers across a range of roles, and we’re more than happy to train anyone who’s keen to get involved,” Renee said.
“We’d love people to reach out, whether by phone, email, or by dropping in for a coffee and a chat. It’s the best way to get a feel for what we do and see if it’s the right fit.”
For more information, phone 0408 717 342, or send an email to [email protected].
You can also like and follow Here’s to Life on Facebook.
