Volunteers are invaluable for organisations such as Badisa. Despite the various lockdown phases, the number of volunteers in 2020 was only 116 less than during the previous year. Not even a pandemic prevented the Badisa volunteers from blessing us with their innovative ideas, positive energy and inspiration.
Volunteers strengthen our capacity and resources in that they contribute to additional manpower and expertise, assist with service delivery and administration, and support us with marketing and fundraising. Volunteers can also liaise with the local community, help to facilitate increased consumer satisfaction, and enhance the relevance of the organisation. There were times during the Covid lockdowns when volunteers could not engage with us because our residential facilities were closed.
The possibility of virtual volunteer work strongly came to the fore during this time, such as assistance with marketing, social media, online workshops and other forms of support.
Huis Uitvlucht, Montagu: Extra hands that can help
“The biggest value of volunteers at the home is their ability to assist residents with tasks such as hair care, and helping them to do their exercises and practice their hobbies. The volunteers also help the residents with mental and emotional support – those things that the staff does not always have time for.” Anrie Uys, manager of Huis Uitvlucht, Montagu
Badisa Stibaai: Volunteers help through their expertise
“We are most privileged to work in Still Bay where lots of experts come to retire. We have a ‘library’ of knowledge and expertise at our disposal in the form of volunteers. Without volunteers we cannot render all our services and certainly not in a cost-effective way. Volunteers are genuinely the backbone of our office – it is thanks to them that we can render meaningful service.” Cornelia Gilliomee, social worker, Badisa Still Bay
Bellville Senior Centre/Chrismar Villas: It is about building relationships
“The greatest value of volunteers is the ability to meet new people and to build relationships. It opens up new doors for us. The volunteers’ positive experience helps to portray a positive image to the public. The fundraising projects are also managed by the volunteers, and this contributes to the sustainability of the centre.” Elize van der Westhuizen, manager of Bellville Senior Centre/Chrismar Villas
Ruyterwacht Senior Centre: Volunteers contribute essential skills
“With the limited number of staff at our disposal we cannot provide a wide range of services without the help of volunteers. Volunteers are very good marketers of the centre as they recruit new people and donors to become involved. The volunteers’ unique skills and knowledge also contribute to more comprehensive service delivery.” Margaret Olivier, manager of Ruyterwacht Senior Centre
