Commemorating International Volunteer Day 2024 at Amaze

Today is International Volunteer Day, a day to recognize the wonderful work of volunteers worldwide.

To celebrate this day, and thank all the volunteers at Amaze and beyond, Amaze staff member Esther participated in a Q&A with a peer support group leader and community volunteer, Tona, to discuss the work she does and what it means to her.

For Tona, helping others is just part of who she is. Helping friends and family, and working on school council, she is always grateful to be able to help others.

“It’s in my nature to help others – it’s a good feeling”.

For Tona, volunteering was an easy way to give back to the community and give herself a sense of purpose. As the parent of an Autistic child with complex needs, Tona could not work consistent hours and had to quit her job. Volunteer work could be done in her own time and on her own terms, allowing Tona the flexibility to work and support her child at the same time. Volunteering gives Tona an outlet for her desire to give back and allows her to feel valued beyond her role as a parent.

It is her lived experience that drove her to work in a support group for Autistic people and their families. She has now worked there for 13 years. “You know how important it is”, she said. “You see it”.

Tona first became involved with Amaze over 20 years ago, utilizing our services to support the support group she runs voluntarily for carers of Autistic family members. Tona has encouraged members of her peer group to attend Amaze seminars, and her advice on where to hold seminars and how to proactively engage community has been instrumental in Amaze’s ability to reach a wider audience.

I asked Tona what she would say to those considering volunteering.

“People can be scared to volunteer because they feel it will be an extra thing on top of their already busy schedules. It doesn’t have to be.” In fact, for Tona, volunteering takes the focus off her own schedule and struggles.

“Time costs nothing. If you can, do it.”

Thank you, Tona, and all volunteers across the globe. The work you do is so important. If you feel the desire and capacity to give back, volunteering is a perfect way to do it.

Article written by Esther at Amaze.