Volunteering for young people

Aaron’s journey into volunteering unfolded naturally over time, as he gradually discovered a passion for it.

Once he started, he began to see the deeper impact of his actions after volunteering at Salvos Balwyn. Here, Aaron found purpose in helping others and contributing to his community.

Aaron assists with front-of-house duties, supporting customers, and helping organise donations. He’s also developed practical skills like operating the register and managing retail tasks, all while building confidence and communication skills.

One moment that stood out to Aaron was when he helped an elderly woman resolve an issue with her receipt. She returned an hour later just to say thank you. 'It’s one thing to help someone and they say thank you,' Aaron said. 'It’s another thing for them to come back an hour later and say thank you. That stuck with me.'

Volunteering has had a strong impact on Aaron, giving him valuable experience and a sense of purpose. He’s grateful for the opportunity to grow while making a difference in others’ lives.

'Become a volunteer so that other people can smile,' Aaron said. 

Aaron was awarded the 2025 Boroondara Youth Volunteer Award in recognition of his outstanding commitment to volunteering.

We asked Erwen:

• What is it like to volunteer as a young migrant?
• What do you enjoy about volunteering?
• What advice do you have for others?

Watch a 3-minute video where Erwen shares how volunteering has enriched his life as a young person, how his migrant background inspired him to become a volunteer tutor and how his life experiences have helped him in this role. 'It’s one of the most rewarding things you can ever do in your life,' he says.

Amelia was awarded for volunteering with Pied Piper Toy Library, Regis Shenley Manor Aged Care and STEPtember, a charity that raises money to support people with cerebral palsy.

Amelia first started volunteering in 2020 when she joined the STEPtember challenge to raise money to support people with cerebral palsy. She continued her volunteer journey supporting Regis Shenley Manor as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award in 2022 and later the Pied Piper Toy Library in Ashburton. 

Amelia recommends volunteering to all young people in secondary school. ‘Volunteering is heaps of fun when you approach it with a will to learn and determination to do your best,’ she says. ‘Volunteering has really opened my eyes to the variety of [people’s] lives in Boroondara.’ 

Amelia was awarded the 2024 Boroondara Youth Volunteer Award in recognition of her outstanding commitment to volunteering.