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Celebrating our volunteers
May 21, 2026
On Friday 8 May, more than 50 volunteers came together at the Palace Hotel for our annual Volunteer Appreciation Evening.
The evening offered a chance to celebrate, connect and enjoy time together, recognising the care and compassion volunteers bring to the Very Special Kids community each day.
During the night, volunteers received scrolls featuring personal notes of gratitude from staff. These messages captured the everyday moments and lasting impact volunteers make across the organisation.
As one team member shared, volunteers make a difference by “giving the kids some special one-on-one time, which is totally focused specifically for them. It’s priceless!”.
Others reflected on the quiet ways volunteers’ step in when it matters most.
One staff member shared that a volunteer “noticed an overwhelmed mum and stepped in.” Another wrote, “when staff are occupied with necessary cares, volunteers step up to provide fun, connection and smiles.”
These moments may seem small, but their impact is profound.
Volunteers help create connection and reduce isolation for families. “Families feel held and appreciate your assistance, support and kindness. It helps families feel less alone and that is so important.”
Staff also spoke about the compassion volunteers bring into every interaction. Helping “families during some of their most challenging moments, and reminding them they are not alone.”
Volunteers also contribute in many ways beyond direct support with children and families. As one staff member shared, volunteers “quietly handle the behind‑the‑scenes tasks that often get overlooked, but everyone benefits from.”
Another reflected on the breadth of this contribution, noting “they fulfil so many different and varied roles which are vital for the smooth running of Very Special Kids. This wouldn’t be the case without them.”
As we move into National Volunteer Week, that sense of appreciation continues — an opportunity to further acknowledge the volunteers who contribute so much to Very Special Kids. This year’s theme, Your Year to Volunteer, is a reminder of the many ways people give their time and care, and the lasting impact that has across the community.
We’d like to thank all our volunteers for the time, care and generosity given so freely. Thank you for helping ensure children and families feel seen, supported and less alone.
As one staff member shared, “Very Special Kids simply would not be Very Special Kids without you.”
