It's hard to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference.

Release date: 11 May 2009

456,222 hours. This is how many hours dedicated Lifeline volunteers listened to callers in 2008. This equates to 52 years of non-stop compassion.

Lifeline volunteers undertake over 35,000 telephone contact sessions a month. Without the help of volunteers, these calls would go unanswered, individuals in need would go unheard and Lifeline could no longer exist.

“It is important to realise the positive impact our volunteers have on the community. Lifeline volunteers have a significant impact on the lives of others. These volunteers make our community a better place to live,” Dawn O’Neil, CEO of Lifeline Australia said.

Lifeline volunteers provide support for Lifeline through counselling and other roles within the network.

National Volunteer Week gives the community the opportunity to recognise the extraordinary spirit of these individuals who give up their time and skills to assist those in need, not just within Lifeline, but for over five million charity workers across Australia.

Lifeline was founded in 1963 by the late Reverend Dr Sir Alan Walker, after he received a call by a distressed man, who three days later took his own life. Determined not to let loneliness, isolation or anxiety be the cause of other deaths. He launched a small crisis line with the hope that one day those who are in need will have the opportunity to seek help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Today, with the assistance of volunteers, Lifeline operates from 64 locations nationally, and has a presence in every state and territory within Australia. Lifeline volunteers have helped make Sir Alan Walkers dream a reality.

“This week Lifeline is saying thank you for the staggering hours of commitment and dedication our volunteers have demonstrated. Our volunteers help us shape a better community through their tireless efforts and the provision of vital services,” Dawn O’Neil said.

For further information or comment contact:

Enita Hampton, Lifeline Australia, 02 6215 9406 or 0401 674 479
www.lifeline.org.au

Media Contact: Enita Hampton (ph: 0401 674 479)