From disaster relief efforts to local Community support, Volunteers step up each day to help improve the lives of others. These unseen and unsung individuals, bound by a common purpose of compassion and solidarity, devote their time and energy to lifting others.

In 1985, it was mandated by the UN General Assembly that 5 December would mark the United Nations International Volunteer Day (IVD) to honour extraordinary individuals and the enduring impact of their work.

From empowering the Global Sustainable Goals to serving at a national, communal and personal level, we salute the contribution and gestures of daily kindnesses of all Volunteers.

Volunteerism embodies a commitment to improving the quality of life for all and increasingly, it is the youth who are at the heart of this movement, empowered to create change and driven by a commitment to a brighter future.

At our Community level, we are fortunate to be encouraged to serve, lend a hand, and let the spirit of volunteering shape who we are. We thank every Volunteer within our Community from the smiling volunteers who open the door, the educators and facilitators, our Time and Knowledge contributors, our uniformed IV and AKSG and the decision makers who enable our Community to thrive, grow and serve within the society in which we live.

Behind every act of volunteerism lies a story. Behind every story is a person and beyond every person exists a Community bound together by hope. Today serves as a reminder that volunteerism is not solely about lending a hand but about building a world shaped by empathy, courage and unity.

Let us celebrate and honour the countless individuals who choose to stand together, bridging divides and creating a legacy through each humble, generous act.

Together, we can illuminate the path to a brighter future, one act of kindness at a time.

As said by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,
“Volunteers embody the best of humanity. On this important day, let’s draw inspiration from their example, and resolve to do our part to help shape a better world for all.”