Volunteerism is at the heart of Group Aid’ mission, driving our efforts to enrich the lives of underserved communities. Over the past few years, we have had the privilege of working with volunteers from diverse backgrounds that bring unique perspectives and skills, whether it's in terms of conducting and organising workshops or expanding our reach via marketing efforts.
Terrarium workshop participants and Group Aid volunteers
Benefits of Volunteering with Group Aid
Volunteering at Group Aid allows individuals to make a real difference by helping to provide equal opportunities for underserved communities to enjoy art workshops and learn new skills, creating lasting impacts on beneficiaries’ lives. This experience not only enriches the lives of those they serve but also instils a sense of purpose and fulfilment in them.
Moreover, volunteering with us offers unique opportunities for personal and professional development, as volunteers have the autonomy to suggest and implement new ideas. This environment allows for creativity and leadership, where each volunteer's input is valued and can lead to tangible improvements in the organization's processes and outreach efforts. In the process, students develop essential skills in leadership, communication, and project management.
Networking is another key benefit, as working with diverse groups and professionals enables volunteers to build a strong network that can be advantageous for future career opportunities. The connections made through volunteering are often long-lasting and provide insights and opportunities that extend beyond the immediate experience. Today, we spotlight the experiences of two of our dedicated volunteers, Dalaney and Adrian, whose contributions have made a significant impact:
Dalaney: Pioneering Growth and Mentorship
As the former Sales and Marketing Manager at Group AID, Dalaney led a team of student volunteers to build the organization's online presence and brand identity across different channels like Instagram, LinkedIn and revamp the organisation’s website. Under her leadership, the social media channels saw a remarkable 10x growth in followers within 6 months, amplifying Group Aid’s mission and reach.
Dalaney was inspired by the joy experienced by workshop beneficiaries, who expressed that the workshops created “wonderful memories which they would otherwise not have had access to”, which motivated her to contribute to Group AID beyond her day job. She also found fulfilment in mentoring student volunteers who supported the organisation’s marketing efforts, guiding them through career decisions and life challenges while learning from their work ethics. This reciprocal learning experience reinforced her motivation to continue volunteering and making a difference.
Furthermore, through her experience with Group AID, Dalaney gained a new perspective on volunteering. She realized that volunteering was more than just a commitment; it was an opportunity to connect with a broader world beyond her corporate and family roles. It allowed her to interact with people she might not have otherwise encountered, enriching her life and expanding her understanding of the diverse communities around her.
Adrian: Sharing Skills and Spreading Joy
Adrian's role involved conducting balloon sculpting sessions for the elderly, a task initially motivated by fulfilling mandatory volunteering requirements by his university. However, he discovered Group AID as a platform for personal growth and development. Inspired by passionate trainers, Adrian embraced the opportunity to "put himself out there” to conduct the workshops.
One of his most memorable takeaways was the satisfaction and happiness he felt seeing participants transform from being hesitant around balloons to confidently creating their own balloon animals. The joy and smiles on the faces of the elderly and children as they mastered new tricks and techniques were especially rewarding for him.
Furthermore, his experience with Group AID transformed his perception of volunteering. While he used to think volunteering is mundane, his experience with Group AID showed that it can be fun and allows one to be their authentic self. This highlights the joy and growth volunteering can bring to both volunteers and participants.
Join the Movement
Children creating terrariums during our workshop
The stories of Dalaney and Adrian demonstrate the transformative power of volunteerism at Group Aid. By contributing their time and talents, they have enriched their own lives and those of the communities we serve. If you're inspired to make a difference, we encourage you to participate in our workshops! Together, we can continue to create positive change and provide equal opportunities for all. Reach out to us at askgroupaid@gmail.com to learn more about our workshops and how you can get involved.
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