Shining a spotlight on our women volunteers
Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do at Save the Children. And there are none more dedicated than the women we have volunteering in our Save the Children Op Shops across the country. These women are play a vital role in our communities, generating funds across our Op Shops to help support our programs making sure every child is safe, healthy and educated.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we spoke with three women who volunteer across our Op Shops about what the day means to them.
Laveena Albuquerque, Hurstville, New South Wales
Tell us a little about yourself:
My name is Laveena. I am married and have one daughter. I migrated to Australia four years ago and I love this country. I am of Indian heritage and have found Australia to be very multicultural which is one of the many reason I love my new country.
What is your volunteer role at Save the Children?
Volunteer retail assistant. I’ve been volunteering for the last six months.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering with us?
I love to interact with people and working for Save the Children you get to meet a variety of people – from the shoppers to the staff. It’s a great opportunity for all volunteers to broaden their horizons. The Managers and volunteers are very good and are always there to help. This shop has become part of my family.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you and your local community?
International Women’s Day means to me that everyone has equal opportunities and equal representation, irrespective of background, status, or gender.
What is one piece of advice you’d like to share to girls in your community this International Women’s Day?
If I could share one piece of advice it would be that women can achieve everything in life. Nothing is impossible for women. Just believe in yourself and move forward.
Toni Howard, Caloundra, Queensland
Tell us a little about yourself:
My name is Toni Howard I am 64 years old. I am a very independent woman even though I have a disability which affects the left side of my body. I cannot use my left arm and I have a brace on my leg. I have lived with this all my life. This has taught me to look at life differently. I find that I have a lot to be thankful for as I have so many lovely people that are family and friends. Mostly these people have been women who have not only inspired me but have taught me that most things are possible.
What is your volunteer role at Save the Children?
My role with the shop is mostly meet and greet. I enjoy meeting and chatting with the locals and tourists. Even though I have only been here with Save the Children for a few months I have found another family.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering with us?
Every time I go to the shop I know that my day will be filled with lots of laughs and happiness.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you and your local community?
This is a wonderful time to reflect on all the wonderful women that bring so much joy, not only to my life, but to the community in general.
Jean Pasimanero, Sydney, New South Wales
Tell us a little about yourself:
My background is in HR and I volunteer with Save the Children 4-6 days a week. I work part-time in my HR role and with Covid-19, I started to work from home which enables me to complete my work at night and free up my days for volunteering. I love to help people, so volunteering helps me to connect with our community, particularly our disadvantaged customers and hopefully brighten their day. I survived leukemia three times and obviously this had a profound effect on my personality and view of the world. I want to be able to pay that care forward and give back to my community.
What is your volunteer role at Save the Children?
Retail Team Leader in one of our Op Shops. I’ve been volunteering for over a year.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering with us?
I love to see customers of our Save the Children family have a bright smile with every interaction.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you and your local community?
It is a day to celebrate what it means to be a woman and the positive impact we have as equals in our community. Our community is very multicultural and having an international event means that we can celebrate as one, all across the world.
What is one piece of advice you’d like to share to girls in your community this International Women’s Day?
By staying strong in challenging times, and having a positive mindset, you can achieve anything you desire. Always support the females in your community as we are stronger as one. You are never alone, you are enough, you are worthy and each of us has our unique gifts.
Three women making a real difference
This International Women’s Day, we want to say thank you to Laveena, Toni and Jean, and all the inspiring women identifying individuals that are part of the Save the Children family – our volunteers, our staff and our supporters. Thank you for your contributions, and for your commitment to children.