At Riverlee, caring for people and place goes beyond the work we do every day. Throughout September, our team put this commitment into action for our annual Volunteer Month, dedicating four weeks to giving back and supporting organisations making a meaningful difference across Melbourne.
Led by our Community Impact Committee, Volunteer Month saw our team step away from their desks, swapping their usual routines for aprons, paddles and gardening gloves to lend a hand to four local organisations.
Growing Food Justice works to improve access to fresh and nutritious food through community growing initiatives. Our team got their hands dirty, getting to work on some vegetable beds to support the organisation’s work in tackling food insecurity.
At Meals With Impact, an organisation dedicated to providing food relief, our volunteers helped prepare and pack an incredible 402 meals (pictured) for Melburnians in need.
Taking to the water with the Yarra Riverkeeper Association, our team rolled up their sleeves to help remove rubbish from the Yarra River. The organisation works to protect and restore one of the most important and iconic waterways that runs through Melbourne.
We also spent time with Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia, which provides a home away from home for families with children receiving hospital care. Our team helped to deep clean and organise the Fitzroy North house, helping maintain a comfortable, welcoming space where families can stay together and focus on what matters most during challenging times.
For Riverlee’s Marketing Manager Ellise McCoombe, who coordinated the initiative, seeing the team embrace the opportunity was a particular highlight.
“Having everyone come together outside of the office and get involved in such important work for the communities of Melbourne is extremely rewarding. We all look forward to volunteer days and seeing the amazing care and effort all the teams put into each activity is truly heartwarming, ” Ellise said.
Volunteer Month was a chance to turn our commitment into meaningful action, while gaining an appreciation for organisations that support Melbourne’s people and place. Thank you to all four organisations for welcoming the team and for the incredible work you do every day.
