Sports clubs thrive on the support of volunteers to help with off field game day activities and other behind the scenes duties.
When volunteer numbers start to dwindle, the impact on sports clubs can be enormous.
Last season, Sandringham Football Club were struggling to get volunteers at home games to collect entry fees and sell raffle tickets and merchandise.
As a member of Bayside's Volunteer Involving Organisation Networking Group, Sandringham Football Club raised this concern, and was connected with local volunteering group, Brighton Evening VIEW Club.
After facilitating a meeting with Brighton Evening VIEW Club (Voice, Interests and Education of Women), we were pleased to see a partnership form between this local volunteering group and the football club.
Teaming up for the last four home games, the football club split raffle ticket proceeds with VIEW, which also collected 10c from drink cans.
VIEW donated funds it raised at these games to support five Smith Family students with uniforms, schoolbooks and other supplies.
VIEW Club secretary Lorraine Holden said it was a wonderful experience.
"We gained a sense of friendship and goodwill from the members of the Sandringham Football Club, who were very kind and generous with their time," Lorraine said.
Sandringham Football Club Operations Manager Courtney Banks said the club can't do what it does without volunteers.
"It's been great partnering with the VIEW Club and supporting each other," said Courtney.
"It's important that our volunteers get something out of the experience as well - whether it's a sense of belonging or purpose, networking opportunities, building social connections. In the case of the VIEW Club, it was awareness of their work including funds they raise to support their chosen charity."
Council endeavours to support all of our community to get involved in volunteering, with a range of opportunities to suit different ages, abilities and interests in Bayside.
