Life as a university student is one major balancing act between studies, class, social life, and minimal free time. So, why with this free time would a student choose to spend their free time volunteering?

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Ashley Benny is in her second year of study at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle. She is studying Bio-Medical science, and is a residential assistant for the university. Between her classes and studies, and work schedule, free time doesn’t really exist. So why volunteer? “It is a positive way for me to learn more about the people in my community” she is quoted saying. She has grown up around volunteer work, and wanted to continue that work while at university. Every Thursday afternoon for the past three months she has done volunteer work at Tuart Place in Fremantle.

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Tuart Place is a non for profit organization that acts as a sanctuary for elderly immigrants and offers them a meal and a safe place to talk about their experiences. Ashley’s job as a volunteer is to listen and offer friendship for a day to the clients. She notes that hearing their stories is humbling, especially hearing strangers speak from a vulnerable position. She enjoys hearing them open up to her about what they went through while growing up or while moving to Australia; volunteering her time gives her an insight to other’s lives.

 

For those in the Fremantle area who are interested in volunteering at Tuart place, you can go to www.TuartPlace.com.au to register. Volunteering opportunities are available in every community, so what’s stopping you?

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