Volunteer Week 2014

The season has come to a close for most Australian sailing clubs, and presentation nights will be being organised or run over the next few weeks (ours is on Saturday 31st May for that matter – contact Christine for details if you haven’t heard).

The Eighteens usually give some votes of thanks to our volunteers at the presentation, but after receiving an email from Yachting Australia (see below), I thought it would be nice to give a vote of thanks here as well.

Sailing clubs like ours are heavily reliant on people who don’t sail to make things happen.  Be it race management (thanks Chris!), starting (thanks Bruce!), rescue duties (too many to thank here, but thanks all!), lunches and drinks, they are all key activities that without them, we wouldn’t get out on the water.  As both a sailor and a volunteer, I get it, so here to the volunteers!!  We hope you can continue to help us sailors out again next year.  Maybe the sailors can buy a drink for a volunteer on presentation night as a vote of thanks?

We’re also hoping to attract more volunteers to the fold, particularly in regards to rescue boat drivers and crew.  If we can establish a good core group to put their hands up even once a month, we won’t be forced to ask around two days out from racing to scramble for drivers or crews.  Anyone with the time available and an interest could be pointed in the right direction for formal training and can use time on the water with us to log experience for their qualifications.  If you know of anyone who might be interested in your group of friends, pass on their details or have them get in contact with the Club Captain.

http://www.yachting.org.au/thanks-to-all-our-volunteers-around-the-country/

On the eve of National Volunteer Week (12 – 18 May), it is an opportunity for all of us to say thanks to the many people who willingly give their time, knowledge and experience, both on and off the water, who make our sport successful and enjoyable for others.

To all those who have given their time this year and will continue to do so into the future, we pass on our thanks for allowing us to enjoy our time on the water and in the clubhouse.

Phil Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Yachting Australia passed on the thanks of the Yachting Australia Board noting, “Sailing and boating couldn’t take place without the countless hours provided by volunteers around the country.   Both on and off water, volunteers are the backbone of our sport and we recognise the outstanding efforts of each and every one during National Volunteer Week.

From Yachting Australia and the State offices through to large and small clubs, the tireless efforts of committee members, officials, instructors and those who provide refreshments, a friendly face and good banter to enhance the atmosphere of the clubs, we acknowledge your efforts and thank you”.

National Volunteer Week is the largest celebration of volunteers in Australia and acknowledges the more than six million Australians who contribute in economic terms as well as providing social and community benefits.

Take some time this month to thank the volunteers who make your club a great place to be.