It was a question pondered by Age Concern Otago social connections team leader Tristan Kavanagh yesterday while celebrating International Volunteer Day.
She said Age Concern Otago had about 400 people volunteering across the region at the moment, helping with things such as meals on wheels deliveries, visiting socially isolated elderly people to keep them company, and helping in falls-prevention classes.
"They’re amazing. Without these volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to run our services.
"That would have huge implications for elderly people across the region.
"We deliver 1800 meals a month across the region. Without volunteers, basically, elderly people wouldn’t be fed."
Miss Kavanagh said the organisation recognised the tireless work of their volunteers at a function in Dunedin last night, and celebrated their spirit of volunteering which was creating a better future for many.
"Their work is very, very important.
"We’re incredibly grateful for the time they give.
"They are people that work full-time but are still able to manage an hour or two out of their busy week."
She said like many community organisations, Age Concern was always looking for more volunteers.
"We have a growing ageing population — people are living longer.
"We’ll always have a need for more volunteers."
