Team, Volunteer Coordination 4 Jul, 2025 General0 comments

 
To our wonderful volunteers
 
Thanks for everything you are doing to make our 2025 Night Shelter successful.
 
1. Look what you’ve done: June
 
Our volunteers are the absolute foundation of BWNS. BWNS is so grateful to each and every one of you.
 
Your hard work and generosity has directly led to the following outcomes so far in our first month of operation (June):
 
  • 29 registered guests using the Shelter
  • 267 total guest stays
  • 534 meals delivered
 
2. Shift Shortages
 
BWNS in 2025 has had a tremendous and generous response from the Bendigo community – 330 on site volunteers and 100 cook volunteers.
 
However in the following specific shift categories we struggle to get enough volunteers:
 
  • Overnight – across all the week
  • Bus – in the morning AM
  • Morning Shift
 
Please consider making yourself available for these shift categories. Please email volunteers@bwns.org.au if you can.
 
3. Adding a Bit extra – Do You Have A Talent?
 
As the Shelter settles into its winter routine we have had time to think about what we can do extra for our guests.
 
Already we have had a ‘jam dougnut’ night – doughnuts generously donated by the Doughnut Man. We are also considering a movie night.
 
Our guests have expressed an interest in occasionally hearing live music.  If you are a musician, our guests would welcome you (outside of your shift) playing music around the fire etc. for an hour or so.
 
If you have any talent or skill you think might help please email volunteers@bwns.org.au and let us know.
 
4. Better Heating Dormitory
 
We are currently exploring ways to better heat the dormitory. Stay tuned!
 
5. Continue to Report Incidents
 
Please continue to report any incidents or improvements needed.
 
Last week we banned one guest for a night because of behaviour reported by volunteers.
 
BWNS does not accept conduct that is in violation of either the guest agreement or the volunteer agreement.
 
6. Fundraiser for BWNS: 2pm Sunday 20 July 2025 – Eaglehawk Uniting Church
 
The very wonderful Major Karen Armstrong of the Salvation Army has organised a fundraiser for BWNS at Eaglehawk Uniting Church.
 
The fundraiser is a “PSA” (Pleasant Sunday Afternoon) of music featuring the Eaglehawk Citizen band and Golden City Pipe Band. Please think about coming if you are able to.
 
6. Finishing Quote
 
“I expect to pass through life but once.  If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do for my fellow being, let me do it now … as I shall not pass this way again” – William Penn.  
 
Thanks again for volunteering.
 
Daryl Lynch – Volunteer Co-ordinator
Andrew Weightman – Project Co-ordinator
Chris Dalton - Chairperson

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