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If you’re thinking about volunteering, the South West Volunteer Expo is your once a year chance to chat with a wide range of community groups in the one place to find the right one for you.
The expo will be held on Saturday October 7 at the Emmanuel Centre on Botanic Road from 10am until 2pm.
A total of 47 local groups will be there on the day including the newly formed Fruit Rescue.
Fruit Rescue member Courtney Mathew said that the goal was simple – to take fruit that was otherwise going to waste and get it to the people who need it.
“When I go walking around my neighbourhood I see these trees dripping with fruit and I can see them rotting on the tree and it’s such a shame,” she said.
“The three things people can get involved with are offering their trees for us to pick, volunteering to go out and do the picking, or for organisations like Food Share who can distribute the fruit.
“We go where the picks are so we need people across Warrnambool to share their trees and share their time and in return we’re offering free fruit, so it’s win-win.
“If you sign up before November 1 you can go in the running to win one of ten fruit trees.
“We really hope the community embraces it and we have a great summer.”
Warrnambool Mayor Debbie Arnott encouraged everyone to come along and learn more about the wide range of volunteering roles available.
“Volunteering is such a special thing you can do to help your community and the people who call it home. It only takes a little bit of your time, but the impact you can have can be profound,” she said.
“The great thing about the volunteer expo is you can find out about some of the amazing groups we have here in our region and find one that suits you.
“When you help other people, it makes you feel good too, and for many people, volunteering can be one of the most rewarding things they ever do.”
The expo is free to attend with lucky door prizes as well as food vendors and coffee available.
If you aren't able to make the expo but would like to learn more about volunteering, visit www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/volunteering or call 5559 4800.