Give and Gain Project (2GP) is a student-run group whose primary aim is to raise students’ awareness regarding various volunteering opportunities, in order to help boost their employability, while helping others in need in the community at the same time. Pertaining to this commitment, 2GP initiated the ‘Push-start’ Information Session, in which speakers from several well-known and reputable organizations were invited to come and talk about the bodies that they are representing and the benefit of volunteering in general. These organizations are Monseacs, Salvation Army, Red Cross and Amnesty International.

Students arrive to take seats in a crowded lecture theatre

Matt speaks on behalf of Australian Red Cross

The session was opened with an introduction of 2GP by Hin (2GP President), followed by a brief description of the seminar content.

The first speaker for the evening was Siew Kim time and effort in assisting those in need. Siew Kim’s speech was largely drawn from her own personal experience, for instance she spoke of the time when she volunteered to assist a stroke patient and how the experience has changed her for the better. Her words clearly touched many in the room.

Glenyse from Salvation Army was the second speaker for the night. She began by stressing the importance of volunteers, not only for the charity organization and the needy, but also for her personally, saying that the learning experience would be mutual. She then continued with a history of Salvation Army, which has its origin in England many years ago. It is an organization which aims to help the vulnerable section of the community, e.g.: homeless people, the poor and the hungry and many others. Glenyse spoke of the many volunteering opportunities that students could get involved in, one of which is The Christmas Cheer Program, where volunteers are required to help pack Christmas gifts for children in need (contact 2GP if interested).

Beatrice Speaks on behalf of Amnesty International

Red Cross Australia was represented by Matt. He introduced the many programs with Red Cross that students could participate in. They include Education, Training and Youth Program, Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme, and fundraising activities, just to name a few. Matt also provided various handouts containing further information regarding Red Cross programs as well as the volunteer application form and police check form. There are a few handouts still available for collection, which can be found in the Monash International Office from Wednesday, August 31. Any problem, please contact 2GP at give_and_gain@hotmail.com.