5 minute read
Connecting with community, volunteering and giving back this spring
Photography by Katt Yukawa
Spring is a great time to get involved in the local community and donate your time to a greater cause. Whether you’re passionate about the environment, animal rights, or helping people in need, here are some valuable ways to give back this season.
Why You Should Give Back
Without volunteers, many of the initiatives, services and events in our community simply wouldn’t happen. Volunteering your time to support a cause you are passionate about can have a range of benefits – it can enrich your life and give you a feeling of fulfillment, it can get you closer to your community and give you a greater sense of belonging, it can open your world to new people, ideas and skills that can positively impact your perspective and personal growth, and it can increase your self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing. If you’re not sure where to start, then pick something that you’re interested in or something that will make a positive impact to a person, group or organisation. There are many causes, charities and community services that are always in need of volunteers – even donating a few hours of your time each month can make a huge difference.
Who You Can Help Clean Up
For over 30 years, Clean Up Australia has been spearheading initiatives to conserve the environment, eliminate litter and end waste. The organisation is one of the country’s most recognised, credible and trusted environmental charities, and since they launched over three decades ago, more than 23 million Aussies have participated in their events and over 46 million hours of volunteer time has been donated to their environmental initiatives. This September and October, they are hosting The Great Spring Clean Up, a nationwide initiative to tackle litter in our cities, streets, parks and waterways, and improve our environment. Do your bit to help and sign up with your family, friends, school, local community or work colleagues. For more information, go to cleanup.org.au
Lifeline Canberra
Lifeline Canberra exists to support people in crisis and save the lives of those experiencing thoughts of suicide with their 24/7 support service (13 11 14), their community-wide awareness for mental health advocacy, and their annual fundraising Bookfairs, which attract over 50,000 people each year. You can support Lifeline in a number of ways –from rattling tins, sizzling sausages, selling merchandise, sorting books, helping at sporting events – and there’s no obligation or minimum hours you need to do. For more information, go to lifelinecanberra.org.au
Foodbank
Foodbank is an organisation that is working hard to ensure everyone has access to good food no matter their situation. They provide food and grocery relief to 2,929 frontline charities and 3,220 school breakfast programs to help feed people in need. In fact, last year alone they sourced enough food for 92 million meals. You can help Foodbank in a number of ways – by fundraising, holding a food drive, donating food and money, and volunteering your time in person. For more information, go to foodbank.org.au
Rspca
This spring show some love for our favourite furry friends and celebrate the RSPCA’s Cupcake Day. This annual event is back for the whole month of September, and all you need to do is gather a group of people and host your own sweet-tastic Cupcake Day event to raise much-needed funds for the charity. Last year, 81,669 animals turned to the RSPCA looking for warmth, love and shelter, so take this opportunity to bake, fundraise and help fight animal cruelty. For more information, go to rspcacupcakeday. com.au. For other volunteering opportunities at the RSPCA, go to rspca-act.org.au
Blackshaw In The Community
Community service is a key part of the values, culture and DNA of the Blackshaw Real Estate network.
For the past three years, the Coastal office has hosted a winter appeal for Campbell Page, a not-for-profit organisation delivering a range of employment, community and commercial services. Each year, the Coastal office’s appeal supports over 300 young people and families facing hardship during the colder months, providing them with muchneeded winter clothing, warm blankets, sleeping bags and nonperishable food.
The Gungahlin office’s Blackshaw Charity Golf Day raises funds for the Stella Bella Foundation, a charity that supports seriously ill local children and their families in their deepest time of need. In 2025, the Blackshaw Charity Golf Day raised $71,000, and has raised a total of $325,580 since the very first golf day almost a decade ago.
For the Manuka’s office’s Mario and Fiona Sanfrancesco, community service has always been an important part of their lives. For nearly 25 years, Mario has conducted hundreds of charity auctions for organisations like Starlight Children’s Foundation, Canberra Cancerians, Menslink, Southcare Helicopter, Bosom Buddies, AFFIRM, the RSPCA and more.
Last year, the Belconnen office held its inaugural charity Bowls Day, which raised $15,000 for the Black Dog Institute. Esther Sebbens, Principal of Blackshaw Belconnen says giving back to the community is all about coming together, having fun, and raising money for causes that truly matter. “We don’t stick to just one charity because there are so many worthy organisations out there, so this year, 2025, we’re thrilled to be supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, jumping on board with their Hallowish campaign, which perfectly aligns with our 31 October event,” says Esther. “Giving back means the world to us because we believe everyone has the power to make a difference, and when we do it together, the impact is even greater.”
