Celebrating National Volunteer Week 2026
18 – 24 May 2026
Red Nose Australia is proud to celebrate National Volunteer Week in 2026.
National Volunteer Week is promoted by Volunteering Australia and runs from 18 to 24 May 2026.
This year’s theme, Your year to volunteer, honours the contributions of volunteers everywhere and invites all Australians to find meaningful ways to give back in 2026.
Thank you to our incredible volunteers
National Volunteer Week is our chance to pause, celebrate, and say a heartfelt thank you to every person who gives their time, compassion, and skill in support of our mission: to save little lives and provide compassionate care for those experiencing the heartbreak of losing a baby or child.
From preparing Treasured Babies Packs, to sorting and processing clothing donations, to supporting bereaved families on our 24/7 support line — our volunteers show up in ways that are quiet, powerful, and unforgettable to the families they touch.
Treasured Babies
Crafting comfort, supporting grieving families
With extraordinary care and attention to detail, our Treasured Babies volunteers lovingly prepare packs for families experiencing the loss of a pregnancy, stillbirth, or the death of a baby.
Every stitch, every garment, every pack is created with intention, a quiet but powerful way to ensure families feel seen, supported, and not alone in their grief.
My mother lost two babies, and I wanted to help ease the pain for others in a similar situation. I love the teamwork, the craft, and the companionship.
Cindy
Volunteering for 26 years
I was drawn to Red Nose because it’s a wonderful cause that supports people during a very difficult time. I enjoy the creative aspect of my role, as well as the team spirit and companionship
Anne
Volunteering for just over a year
I volunteer in the hope of making things easier for others than it was for me. I really value the camaraderie.
Anita
Volunteering for over 20 years
My husband and his late wife sold raffle tickets for SIDS for 30 years, so I wanted to continue supporting families and show that others care. Meeting new people and working with such lovely volunteers makes it all worthwhile.
Yvonne
Volunteering for 23 years
I started volunteering to help families who may not have clothes small enough for their babies. I enjoy meeting new people, making friends, and doing the knitting I love.
Carmel
Volunteering for 15 years
Being part of a team supporting parents in their grief and acknowledging their baby’s existence means so much
Liz
Volunteering for 23 years
I volunteer to help parents who have lost a baby. I value being part of a team supporting families in their moments of grief.
Tracey
Volunteering for almost 3 years
What we do is a community service that gives me purpose and brings some comfort to grieving families. We are a small, close-knit group, and I value the camaraderie and the pride in using my time and skills.
Helen
Volunteering for 5 years
I volunteer to help families when they need it most in their grief. I value the friendships and the knowledge that we can offer families a little comfort.
Val
Volunteering for 22 years
I appreciate being able to use my skills for something meaningful, and the other volunteers make it a great environment to be part of.
Tricia
Volunteering for over 3 years
Painting embellishments on the angel boxes and memory box lids is very fulfilling, and I value the companionship of like-minded people.
Jean
Volunteering for at least 25 years
Red Nose Clothing Collection
Giving back, keeping clothes out of the landfill
Our Red Nose Clothing Collections volunteers help power a social enterprise that does double good. Diverting pre-loved clothing and goods from landfill while raising funds that go directly back into our programs for families.
Last year alone, our volunteers helped divert 1.2 million kg of clothing from landfill.
I’m so happy that I can make a huge difference in people’s lives by volunteering with Red Nose. I show up every day without fail, and RNCC VIC is such a friendly, fun place to volunteer!
Richard
Volunteering for over 10 years
I enjoy the work and the other volunteers that I work with. It’s great fun, keeps me active, and there’s never a dull day.
Roger
Volunteering since 2022
I am passionate about the mission of Red Nose to support grieving families, and about the re-use of clothing — knowing what a challenging environmental issue it is, I feel like my contribution is the least I can do with my time off. I highly recommend that more people my age get involved.
Connie
Volunteering for over 2 years
Coming to volunteer at Red Nose Clothing Collections has helped my mental health very much. I have made some great friends and I enjoy helping others — it’s like a family. I come two full days a week and I can’t imagine not
Joe
Volunteering since March 2024
I really enjoy the work and being able to play a part in helping the mission of Red Nose. The people here are like my family, I’ve made some lifelong connections, and I am so grateful to be part of something so fun and meaningful — plus, it keeps me fit!
Eddie
Volunteering since May 2021
Ways to volunteer
Our volunteers range in age from 16 to 87 and come from many backgrounds.
There is a role for everyone, and a community ready to welcome you.
Peer Supporter on our 24/7 Grief and Loss Support Line
Knitting, sewing or crafting for our Treasured Babies Program
Sorting and processing donations at Red Nose Clothing Collections
Planning local events such as Walks to Remember
Helping at fundraising events, including Red Nose Day
Sharing safe sleep messages at parenting expos
Peer Supporter on our 24/7 Grief and Loss Support Line
Office administration and support
A message from Red Nose CEO, Amy Cooper
To every Red Nose volunteer, thank you.
Thank you for the care you bring, for the time and skill you give so generously, and for the compassion you show to families who will never forget this support.
You are part of something deeply meaningful — ensuring that even in grief, families are met with kindness, dignity and love.
Could 2026 be your year to volunteer?
If you’re reading these stories and thinking, I would like to be part of that, we would love to welcome you.
Share your interests through our Expression of Interest process, and we’ll be in touch.
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