National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week will be held on 16 – 22 May 2022. We take this opportunity to thank all of our amazing volunteers and share some of their reflections on why they volunteer and what they get from the experiences.
“Becoming an Order of Malta Volunteer (OMV) welcomes me to care for people in need, together with a kind and diligent team, many of whom have become dear friends. The Order’s Mission of Serving the Sick and Poor and Protecting the Faith for over 900 years, guides me to provide more than a service, but to recognise and embrace Christ through everyone I meet. Matthew 25:40 is mutually enriching, “Whatsoever you do to the least of My people, this you do unto Me.” I am inspired by OMV’s inclusive spirit, uniting people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs to share joy, friendship and humanity. “
Joseph
“For me, volunteering allows me to give back to so many different individuals in a variety of ways; from making someone smile who has had a bad day all the way to providing a hot meal to someone who is struggling. The experiences, memories, friendships and life lessons I gain through volunteering will be with me forever”.
Anna
“For me, volunteering with works like this really feels like I am embracing and living the charism of the Order, ” Tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum” or defence of the faith and assistance to the poor and sick. It is through bringing life-changing joy to those that deserve it with a Christian love that brings me closer to God and helps me stay true to what our Order is about.”
Dalton (pictured left)
“For me, volunteering with the Order has been something I truly cherish, and I couldn’t think of my life any other way. To be able to help someone in need and see the smile on their face, is honestly life changing. To live by their motto “Tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum” (Defence of the faith and assistance to the poor) has given me the opportunity to grow spiritually as a Catholic and allowed me to create lifelong friendships. There are so many amazing opportunities to give back to those in need and I plan to continue to aid the Order’s charitable works for years to come”.
Jay (pictured centre)
“Community service develops an increased sense of social responsibility for your fellow citizens, with a heart of ‘giving’ and ‘helping’ those in need. As such, the volunteer also gains.
Giving your time to others makes you feel much better than just wasting your free time on less important things. Building these relationships gives the volunteer a feeling of social connectedness.
Volunteering itself and giving to others come with surprising health benefits both physically and mentally as it helps you to feel purposeful and happy. It further increases your self-confidence as you see that by providing care to other persons, you get the sense of being a valued person.
No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another”.
André
