Working with non-profit organisations and charities can be extremely rewarding. When I first moved to Perth, one of my very first graphic design jobs was as a volunteer. It was a great way to establish myself, make contacts and learn new skills.
Unfortunately, running my own business and holding down a full-time job hasn’t allowed me the opportunity to do much volunteering in recent years. But a chance encounter with two adorable Guide Dogs last year inspired me to become a Guide Dogs WA volunteer.
And so I’ve been working with this wonderful non-profit organisation since September 2016, providing pro bono graphic design assistance, including helping out with their Pupdates – the quarterly ‘school reports’ for each Guide Dog in training.
I find volunteering has so many benefits, from learning and developing new skills to gaining experience. If you’re a graduate or looking for work, volunteering is a terrific way to boost your resume and improve your career prospects. Research also suggests that becoming a volunteer can be good for your mental and physical health too.
I’ve certainly found that volunteering for an organisation like Guide Dogs WA gives me a great sense of self-worth. I know that I’m doing something good and making a difference. Better still, volunteering can even help you gain new interests and make new friends. It’s a win-win situation – helping others will actually benefit yourself.
About Guide Dogs WA
Guide Dogs WA was established way back in 1913 to help transform the lives of West Australians who live with vision impairment and blindness. Their mission is to enable people with disabilities to live the lives they choose. Owned and operated by VisAbility, formerly the Association for the Blind of WA, Guide Dogs WA relies on the generosity of the Western Australian community. And given that it costs a staggering $35,000 plus to raise and train each Guide Dog, public support is absolutely vital.
Guide Dogs WA are currently looking for adventurous dog-lovers with a head for heights to take part in a charity sky dive. Scheduled to take place on Saturday 13 May 2017, in association with Skydive Australia, Dive for Dogs will help to raise much needed funds for training future Guide Dog Puppies.
If you would like to help out Guide Dogs WA, give them a call on (08) 9311 8202 or email info@guidedogswa.com.au. To learn more about the amazing work they do, head over to their website guidedogswa.com.au
