A child receives a present on Christmas morning. His face lights up as he frantically rips apart the wrapping paper with reckless abandon, the faster the better of course.
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The contents don’t really matter – there’s not much under that wrapping paper that could wipe the smile of this little boy’s face.
He had received a present, knowing the prospect was unlikely at best because of his family’s battling financial situation.
Without the efforts of not-for-profit organisations, scenes like these would not play out in hundreds of lounge rooms across Ballarat each year.
The tireless efforts of volunteers and the generous donations from the community help keep Christmas dreams alive for the downtrodden, soup in bellies for the hungry and school books in lockers for the needy.
Organisations like the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, UnitingCare and Anglicare are just a handful of the names now synonymous with helping and goodwill.
But there’s plenty for not-for-profit groups out there that need a hand – thousands even – and without the efforts of volunteers, they simply would not exist.
Without those groups, without those volunteers, Ballarat may not be what it is today.
However, some commentators say as good as volunteers’ efforts are, it’s good leadership that takes not-for-profit organisations to the next level.
Governance expert Mark Schultz said achieving a surplus, not a profit, was crucial to maintaining an organisation going forward.
“It needs to be run like a business,” he said.
“Even though there’s no profit-driver, there is still a need to achieve a surplus so the organisation can continue to deliver those services to the community.”
Mr Schultz said the nation’s 700,000 not-for-profit organisations were vital to communities throughout Australia.
“They’re extremely important,” he said.
“Ballarat, and all of Australia, would not be as good as it is without the involvement of volunteers in not-for-profit organisations.”
“They generally deal with the most challenging social issues, they have no access to capital markets, and banks don’t lend them money.”
Mr Schultz said despite the importance of not-for-profit organisations, recognition for their work was lacking within the general populace.
“People who access the services certainly acknowledge the work they do, but I don’t know if the broader community does,” he said.
“It’s like most things – if you use those services and come into contact with those people, then you certainly appreciate their work.”
While helping people is a central theme to many not-for-profit organisations, a growing number are dedicating themselves to helping the environment, helping maintain streetscapes and helping animals.
Just 12 months old, the Ballarat Animal Advocates Association is a fledgling not-for-profit group focused squarely on improving the lives of animals throughout the region.
Its dozen or so volunteers work to raise awareness to the local mistreatment of animals – both pets and farm animals – throughout the region.
They report breaches of animal protection legislation to authorities and liaise with local animal welfare groups, local animal shelters, veterinary clinics and other persons or bodies responsible for the professional care of animals.
BAAA secretary Valerie Denouden said the organisation was always looking for volunteers and any help received was welcome.
“We’re trying to raise awareness of the issues about the maltreatment of animals, such as animal factory farming, where animals are kept in cages where they can’t even move, fattened up then killed,” she said.
“We’ll take anyone who can help us.”
Treasurer Vicki Faul said she rescued her dog Lucy 10 years ago after she had been abused and dumped at the RSPCA.
“It’s my belief she was thrown out of a car,” she said.
“She was so extremely nervous, but she’s not like that now. But she had a huge anxiety disorder.”
Examples like the BAAA make it crystal clear that volunteers are the beating heart of all not-for-profit organisations, who give so much back to the communities they serve.
But for the recipients of that good will – and fundraising – volunteers do much more than simply increase the bottom line.
As one of Ballarat’s largest recipients of donations in recent years, Ballarat Health Services witnesses on an almost daily basis the amazing work of not-for-profits and volunteers.
BHS fundraising director Geoff Millar said several hundred thousand dollars was raised each year by the Ballarat community.
“The volunteers who run the flower shop, the volunteers who run the kiosk, they make a very significant contribution to the hospital,” he said.
“They’re a very formal volunteer group, but there’s lots and lots of volunteers out there who come to us and say they’d like to raise money for the kids ward, aged care, a piece of equipment here, a piece of equipment there... it happens quite regularly.”
Mr Millar said he was constantly amazed at the generosity of the community, but not surprised.
“I think the people of Ballarat are generous people,” he said.
“When they perceive there is a cause out there worthy of support, they will support it.”
Mr Millar said a “typical” example of a not-for-profit group or individual donating their time and money occurred this week.
“Yesterday I was given a cheque from a lady who had an event in her backyard – she raised more than $3000 for the cancer centre,” he said.
“It’s just a classic example of someone volunteering their time and their energy for the community – in this case, the hospital.”
“Sometimes you’re overwhelmed by the generosity of volunteers and what they’re prepared to do.”
Staffing the flower shop at Ballarat Base Hospital, volunteers Cheryl Robinson and Marilyn Naughton epitomise the spirit of volunteers and not-for-profit organisations across Ballarat.
The flower shop and kiosk operate to generate funds to help pay for medical equipment and supplies.
With hospital revenue in the hundreds of millions, but a tight operating budget, the extra several hundred thousand dollars raised by volunteers such as those in the flower shop makes an incredible difference to Ballarat Health Services.
After being admitted to the hospital herself, Ms Robinson decided it was time to give back and help raise money for the people who looked after her.
That was 10 years ago – she hasn’t looked back since.
“It’s a nice thing to do and you meet a lot of nice people,” she said.
“We hear some nice stories, we also hear some not so nice stories, but you just listen to them.”
Ms Robinson said her role was about more than selling flowers and teddy bears.
“People come in and tell you what’s happening to them or a relative – you just feel a part of it,” she said.
“It’s a lovely place to work.”
Ms Naughton has been volunteering for just seven months, but already feels at home.
She also spends her time volunteering elsewhere and encouraged more members of the community to join not-for-profit organisations and try to give back where they can.
“It’s about the people you meet, the atmosphere with others,” she said.
“I just enjoy it.”
So the next time you have a spare weekend and need something to do, why not jump on Google and search for the nearest not-for-profit groups that need a hand?
Who knows, you might be the next person who finds you need their help.