Meet Aidan: A youth volunteer making an impact, one day at a time
National Youth Volunteer Week is a chance to celebrate the young people who are stepping up, giving back and strengthening communities through volunteering.
This year’s theme, Your Year to Lead, reminds us that leadership isn’t about age or job titles. It’s about taking action, supporting others and making a positive difference.
For 19-year-old Aidan, volunteering at Big Group Hug has become an opportunity to do exactly that.
Currently studying Retail Warehousing, Aidan first joined Big Group Hug after his parents suggested volunteering as a way to give back to the community.
“I wanted to help out,” he says.
Building connections
Since then, he’s discovered there’s much more to Big Group Hug than he ever imagined.
“What surprised me most was how wonderful everyone is, and just how much goes on behind the scenes that I didn’t know about before volunteering.”
No two volunteer shifts are the same, and that’s exactly what Aidan enjoys most.
Learning new skills
Whether he’s checking the mailbox, collecting parcels, sorting donations or helping wherever he’s needed, he likes that there’s always something different to do.
“I enjoy doing a mix of different activities. There’s always something different to help with.”
While every task may seem small on its own, Aidan knows the bigger picture.
“It’s meaningful knowing that all of the hard work goes toward supporting people who are less fortunate.”
Along the way, volunteering has also helped him build skills and confidence that he’ll take into the future.
“I’ve learnt new skills and gained confidence that will carry over into what I want to do outside of school.”
When asked what he would say to another young person thinking about volunteering, his answer is simple.
"It's a great place to be. You can make new friends and be part of a close-knit, supportive community."
Your Year to Lead
The National Youth Volunteer Week theme, Your Year to Lead, also resonates with Aidan.
“To me, it means recognising that each person can make a difference. Even if it doesn’t seem like much individually, it all carries over and has an impact.”
Outside of Big Group Hug, Aidan is looking forward to trying new things, meeting new people and finding a new hobby. His time volunteering has already shown him just how much a single person can contribute to their community.
Youth volunteers like Aidan give us confidence in the future. Their kindness, willingness to learn and commitment to helping others remind us that leadership begins with choosing to make a difference.
Become a Big Group Hug volunteer
Whether you’re still at school, studying, working or simply looking for a meaningful way to give back, there’s a place for you at Big Group Hug.
From sorting donations and packing care packs to helping at our hubs, accepting donations, driving deliveries or volunteering from home, every role helps provide essential items to children and families doing it tough.
You’ll learn new skills, meet great people, become part of a welcoming community and know that every hour you give is making a real difference.
If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, maybe this is your year to lead! Don’t take our word for it, hear from our volunteers themselves here.
Register your interest today and join the Big Group Hug volunteer family.
