The best part about being a volunteer supervisor is the volunteers themselves, says Laura Donnelly.

 Laura is one of 33 VMCH volunteer supervisors to be celebrated as part of International Volunteer Managers (IVM) Day on November 5.  IVM Day, founded in 1999, recognises the role volunteer managers play in supporting the world’s volunteers.  At VMCH, volunteer supervisors play a vital role in the ongoing support volunteers across 36 sites.

 Laura has managed VMCH’s Op Shop Warehouse in Wantirna South for eight years – overseeing the sorting and pricing of items to be distributed to VMCH op shops.

 “I love fashion and recycling so I’m in the perfect job,” Laura says. “We have a lot of fun at work. The volunteers are always offering to help by washing any clothes that need to be sold and they chat away while they work and come up with some good ideas. Volunteering also gives people valuable experience to help them get a paid job, which is great.”

VMCH Volunteer Services Manager Bron Summers said: “having day-to-day support and supervision for our ‘unsalaried workforce’ ensures volunteers feel valued and find meaning in what they do”.

“Like all of our volunteer supervisors, Laura is not only great at her job but she is very welcoming, respectful and appreciative of volunteers and the valuable contribution they make.  Laura’s passion for fashion is contagious and she has a very loyal and dedicated group of volunteers who enjoy being part of the team.”

If you’re interested in volunteering with VMCH, call 1800 036 377 or click here.