At Reckon we have a deep-rooted belief in the power of volunteering. The simple act of giving up some of your spare time or resources to benevolently improve the lives of others is one of the most worthwhile things you can do.

Whether these Not For Profit groups are our very own customers or are outstanding organisations which we actively support in other ways; in the spirit of National Volunteer Week (15-21 May 2023) we celebrate and encourage meaningful volunteer work.

So, this National Volunteer Week, what can you do in your own area to pitch in?

Reckon staff cooking up a storm for those going hungry.

Our Big Kitchen

Cooking up over a hundred fresh and healthy meals for those in need, Reckon’s Sydney team recently had the pleasure and privilege of spending the day helping out at Our Big Kitchen.

Our Big Kitchen is a Bondi-based charity that unites volunteers from all over Sydney to help prepare meals for those who need them most. Meals are then distributed fresh to domestic violence shelters and people living rough on the streets.

This fantastic organisation, and those who come in to help, cook up thousands of tasty meals every week for hungry people doing it tough. A big shout out to this wonderful group, we’ll be back!

Victoria SES volunteers can always be found when disaster strikes.

Victoria SES

The State Emergency Services is a volunteer-based organisation that provides lifesaving support for communities and individuals in strife.

Their primary mode of assistance is to provide preparation advice and search and rescue services for those affected by fires, floods, and natural disasters. Wherever there is a disaster in Australia, and lives at stake, you’ll find the SES.

Those who volunteer with the SES learn valuable skills and put their own safety on the line to rescue people whose very lives may be in peril. It certainly takes a certain type of person to put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. Reckon are proud to provide software and support to their Victorian branch, VICSES, to help keep them running behind the scenes.

A truly iconic volunteer driven organisation – The Scouts are there to drive fun, community, and skills for kids of all ages.

Scouts Australia

It’s hard to think of a more iconic volunteer-enabled organisation than the Scouts. With locations and Scout halls peppered across the entire country, they truly are a stalwart of the community.

Scouts Australia deliver youth development activities that endeavour to build resilience and inspire confidence in young people across the country. They welcome diversity and encourage the whole family to join in. There are numerous volunteer opportunities for adults, from Scout leaders to administrative roles. Reckon are proud to assist Scouts SA handle their books.

A women’s charity for those experiencing period poverty.

Share the Dignity

With women more likely to be living in households below the breadline, as well as facing unique adverse circumstances such as violence and domestic abuse, Share the Dignity provide for those who experience period poverty.

Distributing menstrual products to women, girls, and anyone who menstruates who needs support, this stand-out Australian women’s charity works hard to make a positive impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or doing it tough.

Here at Reckon, we’re honoured to be among their supporters as they undertake their crucial volunteer work.

‘Take what you need. Leave what you can’. The free food pantry is always there for those doing it tough. (Image via 2GB featuring Rachael Smith, founder of Pantry 4 The People with journalist, Jim Wilson).

Pantry 4 the People

As regular donators, the Reckon team knows the incredible power behind organisations like Pantry 4 the People. Led by the ethos of ‘take what you need, give what you can’, Pantry 4 the People, based in Mascot, collects and provides vital food resources for those facing hunger and poverty.

Rachael Smith started up the donation-based charity during the pandemic, when food security for the less fortunate was threatened as people lost their jobs and movement was hampered.

Building a weatherproof pantry on the streets of Botany (where people can take what goods they need) and others can donate and supply non-perishable food and necessities, Pantry 4 the People shows that providing meaningful assistance can really help others in your area who may not be so lucky.