National Volunteer Week is Australia's largest annual celebration of volunteering and a wonderful opportunity to honour and appreciate the contributions of volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to help our communities thrive. From not-for-profit organisations to corporate teams, the week of 19 to 25 May 2025 is the perfect time to show gratitude to the individuals making a difference by giving up their time to a cause that matters to them.
Here are some thoughtful ways your organisation can celebrate and acknowledge the incredible work of volunteers during National Volunteer Week.
1. Host a Volunteer Appreciation Event
Organise an in-person or virtual event to celebrate your volunteers. This can include:
- Thank You Lunches or Dinners where volunteers can connect and share their experiences.
- Award Ceremonies recognising outstanding contributions. Consider certificates, small trophies, or personal notes of gratitude.
- Interactive Activities like team-building games or creative workshops to bond and celebrate.
Make it special by creating a warm, personal atmosphere that leaves your volunteers feeling valued.
Tip: Customised thank-you gifts can enhance the experience! Explore meaningful Aboriginal art-inspired gifts from Koh Living, such as drink bottles, travel mugs or glasses cases, which can be customised with your logo. Not only are they beautiful, they’re also functional and thoughtful for volunteers who are always on the move.
2. Share Stories and Achievements Online
Take to your website, social media platforms or newsletters to share the impact of your volunteers.
Highlight inspiring volunteer stories that showcase their dedication.
Create engaging posts using hashtags like #NationalVolunteerWeek or #ThankYouVolunteers to reach wider audiences. Share statistics or projects that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of your volunteers.
Tag your volunteers (if they are comfortable) or use group photos from events to make it personal. Make sure to thank them publicly so their contributions are recognised beyond just your organisation.
3. Give Thoughtful Volunteer Gifts
Show your appreciation through thoughtful, useful gifts. Consider items such as reusable travel mugs, culturally significant keepsakes, or luxurious self-care tokens. Koh Living offers a variety of Aboriginal-inspired gifts that are not only beautiful but also meaningful. Each purchase supports Indigenous artists and communities, adding a heartfelt layer to your thank-you message.
Imagine gifting a volunteer a Koh Living Aboriginal Lemon Myrtle Hand Cream or a Native Mango & Macadamia Lip Balm - something they can pop into their bag and use while volunteering!
4. Provide Personalised Thank-You Notes
A handwritten thank-you card can go a long way. Take a moment to highlight specific ways the volunteer has made an impact. Personal notes show thoughtfulness and, when accompanied by a small gift, can become a cherished reminder of their meaningful contribution. For larger organisations, consider signing digital e-cards or having team leads write short, heartfelt messages for the volunteers they work with most closely.
5. Offer Exclusive Perks for Volunteers
National Volunteer Week is an excellent time to offer exclusive perks, such as vouchers, discounts, or free access to events. Partner with local businesses or shops to create discount codes or special deals. If your volunteers work with you all year round, this can be a great way to encourage loyalty and long-term commitment to your organisation.
Contact Koh Living if you would like to offer your volunteers a discount on our divine range of products.
6. Organise Professional Growth Workshops
Many volunteers are eager to learn and grow. Consider hosting a workshop that aligns with the kind of work your organisation does. Examples include:
- Leadership or communication training.
- Skills-based workshops, such as digital marketing or volunteer management.
- Wellness seminars to prioritise mental health and self-care.
This not only shows you value their contribution but also equips your volunteers with tools for success in all areas of life.
7. Foster a Sense of Community
Create opportunities for volunteers to connect with one another. Building relationships helps foster a stronger sense of belonging. You could:
- Create an exclusive online group for your volunteers to share tips, ideas, and inspiration.
- Hold informal meet-ups for coffee or walks to build community connections.
- Run "Volunteer Spotlights," where you feature one volunteer each week and share their story or contribution.
At the heart of volunteering is a desire to connect with others - it’s always worth nurturing that sense of community.
8. Partner with Other Organisations
Collaborate with other local or corporate organisations to amplify your Volunteer Week activities. This could include co-hosting events, sharing volunteer stories across partner platforms, or organising community-wide initiatives.
Partnerships can help create a bigger impact, inspire potential new volunteers, and ultimately strengthen community ties.
Celebrate and Inspire Future Volunteers
National Volunteer Week isn’t just about thanking volunteers for the incredible work they do; it’s also about cultivating a culture of giving back. Encourage others to step forward by showcasing the rewarding nature of volunteering.
For more ideas and official resources, visit Volunteering Australia. You can also explore volunteer opportunities at GoVolunteer.
We hope these tips inspire meaningful ways to celebrate your volunteers this year. And don’t forget, whether it’s with a heartfelt message, a small token of appreciation, or a grand event - every expression of gratitude matters.
Closing Thought
Looking for the perfect gift for your volunteers? Check out Koh Living’s unique and functional Aboriginal-inspired pieces. What better way to show appreciation than with a gift that carries art, culture, and sustainability in its essence?
Celebrate, honour, and inspire. Together, we can make National Volunteer Week truly unforgettable.