On Tuesday 10 June 2025, we hosted a Volunteers Thank You Lunch at Club Parramatta, bringing together some of our dedicated volunteers. The lunch was an opportunity to thank them for the time they give to support war widows through phone calls, handwritten cards, and social club gatherings. 

CEO Renee Wilson opened the event by thanking our volunteers and acknowledging the value of their contribution. “Time is the most precious thing we have,” she said. “In giving this gift, others feel valued, cared for and supported.” 

Renee shared messages from members who have felt the impact of this support: 

• From receiving handwritten Christmas cards, a member said, “I was so happy to receive the card … I have been very ill for 2 years, and it brought me to tears to receive that card.” 

• About the Friendship Line calls, another member shared, “It has been a great source of comfort to me knowing other war widows are there.” 

• For Social Clubs, one member commented, “It’s helped me get out once a month to chat with other ladies, instead of staying home except for doctor’s appointments.” 

One of our volunteers, Di, shared that volunteers don’t always get to see the full impact of their efforts firsthand. Hearing the feedback from the women they support really highlights the impact of their contribution.  

Renee also provided an update on the development of the War Widows Program and the broader supports offered through the organisation. She introduced changes aimed at strengthening volunteer support, including the appointment of a new operations manager and social worker. Despite recent staff changes, she emphasised that the organisation’s goal remains unchanged: to grow the War Widows Program and ensure all volunteers and war widows are well supported. 

Stories from the friendship line and social clubs 

After Renee’s address, Wendy, a Friendship Line volunteer, shared an ANZAC Day story told to her by Diedre, a recipient she calls fortnightly. Diedre lives in the small town of Mandurama, with fewer than 400 residents. Wendy reflected on the many incredible conversations they’ve had, highlighting how special the Friendship Line is for both callers and recipients. 

Norma, praised the latest Autumn edition of The Guild Digest, describing it as “one of the best.” She appreciated the layout, especially the showing of the Field of Remembrance photo spread, sharing how delighted she was to see familiar faces featured, including herself. 

The lunch was also an opportunity for our volunteers to be together, to catch up and to get to know our team a little better.  

A lasting impact: thank you to our volunteers 

Every day we appreciate the help of volunteers ensure war widows are connected and that widows and families of veterans are seen, heard and acknowledged. 

For almost 80 years we have relied on the support and good work of the volunteers in our community to service thousands of war widows in NSW. Our volunteers have kept them connected, supported and included and provide them with the gift of friendship, time and support.   

The post Volunteers thank you lunch first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

Our amazing volunteers have been busy writing over 2,200 Christmas cards. We have had some lovely gatherings in the Chatswood office, filled with smiles and laughter!

A special thanks to our volunteers for handwriting so many Christmas cards to war widows so they are connected and remembered at Christmas!

Do you have time to support our community?

We are always looking for volunteers! We only need a little of your time, or as much as you want / can spare.

Our volunteer programs offer different options to connect with our members and you do not have to be a war widow to volunteer with us.

This time of year, we need volunteers for the Friendship Line and Christmas card writing to our members.

You can volunteer from your home, or from our office, we are flexible!

Please register your interest or ask us any questions at guild@warwidowsnsw.com.au

The post International Volunteer Day first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

COVID-19 has introduced so many changes at a dizzying rate. The NSW Government has applied some temporary relaxation of restrictions, so please take advantage of them, where you need it.  The office staff will be happy to help, where relevant.

I look forward to meeting you all at a future event, post COVID-19 but more importantly, that you feel safe to resume some normality as restrictions ease in New South Wales.

President War Widows NSW
\”We rise by lifting others\”

The post War Widows NSW eNewsletter Update first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

I hope you enjoy reading this week\’s newsletter, in which we continue to recognise our veterans. We also celebrate all 164 members who had their birthday in May.  Five members turned 100 years old, what an achievement!

President War Widows NSW
\”We rise by lifting others\”

The post War Widows NSW eNewsletter Update first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.