Mili Helps Out Her Community

“I wanted to help the community because it gives me something purposeful to do which aids other people.”
When Mili made the decision to start volunteering at her local Op Shop, she never imagined what her good deeds would lead to.
One year later and Mili now spends the majority of her free time giving back to her community – which makes her feel great.
Mili’s charitable acts include volunteering at Vinnies every Thursday, participating in Clean up Australia events at Lake Gwelup and completing charity walks, with her support worker by her side. Mili has also joined the Urban Bushland Council and assists with planting trees and shrubs and weeding at Gwelup Reserve on the 3rd Sunday of every month. She also regularly donates items to charity and donates to the RSPCA.
Speaking about how her kind actions make her feel, Mili said: “I wanted to help the community because it gives me something purposeful to do which aids other people.
“I like doing good for other people and I like to help the animals as well.”
As part of the Vinnies team, Mili is responsible for sorting clothes and book donations by adding prices to items and then displaying them on the shop floor. From time to time, Mili even donates her own items to the store as well.
Mili continued: “Sometimes I donate things like books or anything I don’t want anymore. I feel good working at Vinnies and donating things.”
During National Volunteer Week 2024, Mili received a voucher as recognition for her hard work at Vinnies. She enjoys her role so much that she is looking forward to extending her hours at the store.
Speaking about Mili’s volunteering, support worker, Kush, said: “Mili loves her role as a volunteer at Vinnies. She has learned new skills and with her good work ethic, she has become a valuable part of the team. Her contributions are much appreciated by all staff at Vinnies.
“Mili has had the opportunity to meet new people, and she is able to serve her local community.”
Manager, James Love, added: “Mili has a great sense of humour and will occasionally share a joke with other team members.
“She participates well in a team environment and is an asset to the team.”

When she is not volunteering indoors, Mili makes the most of her time outdoors whether that means taking part in charity walks or participating in cleanups around Lake Gwelup.
Mili completes at least two charity walks a year, most recently having completed the annual 4KM Chevron City to Surf and HBF Run for a Reason. Mili prepares for each walk by training in advance, making sure to wake up in plenty of time on the day and eating the right food in the lead up and after the walk.
Her love for the local flora and fauna spurs Mili on to attend the cleanups at Lake Gwelup, whose role in the Friends of Lake Gwelup team is to pick up litter to keep the area clean and tidy, and safe for the native flora and fauna.
Fitting in so much volunteering is no easy feat for Mili, however, it comes as no surprise to her guardian Toni, that Mili spends her time helping others.
Toni said: “Mili has a lot of empathy; she is very kind and considerate and puts people and animals first.”
Josephine, Mili’s therapist, who has worked with her for six years, added: “Mili has worked hard to focus on the positive things that make her life more meaningful. With the support of her team, she feels more confident in making a positive impact on her life and enjoys volunteering and giving back to her community.”
When asked what advice Mili would give to other people thinking of volunteering, she said: “I’d say, something along the lines of this is a good thing to do.
“It has turned out to be a lot of fun. This is to benefit not only this generation but generations to come.”
Keep up the great work Mili, you really are one in a milli-on!