What’s Happening?
St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland is marking National Volunteer Week from 18 to 24 May.
The organisation is sharing stories from across Queensland to show the real impact of volunteering.
One of those stories comes from Toowoomba resident Lindsey Parle.
Lindsey volunteers with the Vinnies Sense Youth Mentoring program.
The program supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
This includes children from migrant and refugee families, and families experiencing financial hardship.
Through her volunteering, Lindsey has helped young people build confidence, connection and belonging.
She has also found personal benefits through the work.
Volunteering has helped her form new friendships, gain perspective, build new skills and find purpose.
Why It Matters?
National Volunteer Week is a chance to recognise people who give their time to help others.
For Vinnies Queensland, volunteers play a key role in supporting people doing it tough.
That role has become even more important as cost-of-living pressures continue.
The week also invites more people to consider volunteering.
This year’s theme, Your Year to Volunteer, links with the United Nations International Year of Volunteers in 2026.
Together, they highlight the importance of volunteering in local communities and across the world.
By The Numbers
- 18 to 24 May: National Volunteer Week will recognise volunteers and their role in community life.
- 5,051 volunteers: Vinnies Queensland is supported by thousands of volunteers across the state.
- 2,689 Members: The volunteer network is also backed by Members who help Vinnies continue its daily work.
Local Impact
In Toowoomba, Lindsey’s story shows how volunteering can change lives on both sides.
Children in the Sense Youth Mentoring program gain steady support from trusted adult volunteers.
That support can help them feel more confident and connected.
For families facing hardship, including migrant and refugee families, this kind of support can make a real difference.
Lindsey’s experience also shows what volunteers can gain.
Her work with Vinnies has brought new friendships, skills and a stronger sense of purpose.
Zoom In
The Vinnies Sense Youth Mentoring program focuses on young people who may need extra support.
Lindsey’s role helps build confidence and belonging for children facing disadvantage.
Her story gives National Volunteer Week a strong human focus.
It shows volunteering as practical, personal and community-minded.
It is not only about giving time.
It is also about creating connection where it is needed most.
Zoom Out
Formal volunteering has declined nationally.
That makes National Volunteer Week more important for organisations like Vinnies Queensland.
The week recognises existing volunteers and encourages new people to take part.
It also comes during a year when volunteering has global attention.
The United Nations International Year of Volunteers in 2026 adds further weight to this year’s message.
What To Look For Next?
Vinnies Queensland is encouraging more people to consider volunteering in 2026.
For Toowoomba locals, Lindsey’s story is a reminder that giving time can support others and bring purpose in return.