International Volunteer Day is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly and is held each year on December 5. It is a day for volunteers and volunteer based organisations around the world to celebrate their volunteers efforts, to share their values and to showcase the difference they make in their communities.
National Volunteer Week is held each year during the month of May. This is an annual celebration which acknowledges the generous contribution of volunteers within the community. As an initiative of Volunteering Australia, this week gives community organisations an opportunity to thank their volunteers for their commitment of time and experience as well as encourage others to volunteer. Each year has a different theme and in 2016 it was ‘Give Happy, Live Happy’ which supports research showing that volunteers live happier and healthier lives when they give back to the community.