Ladder recently partnered with SecondBite, who exists to make sure that good food is getting to people who need it most, rather than to landfill, by ending waste and ending hunger.

SecondBite has been supporting our Ladder participants in Sydney by providing much needed grocery hampers. By way of giving back to the community and helping others in need, Ladder staff and program participants volunteered and prepared the same grocery hampers for other vulnerable members of the community.

The volunteering opportunity took part at SecondBite's warehouse which involved Ladder staff and program participants assisting to organise the warehouse area and put together hampers that included common household groceries. This volunteering exercise provided the young people with work experience as well as communication, teamwork and team building skills, all of which are important skillsets for gaining employment. They will now add this volunteering experience to their resumes to enhance their chances of gaining employment.

"I learned how the warehouse setting works. I learnt how production lines work, how to work as a team, and how to identify hazards in the warehouse. This was important as I intend to work in a warehouse in the future.” – Program participant

This important activity also gave the young people a sense of belonging as it enabled them to give back to the community that has supported them when they needed it most.

"It was nice to be selfless and do something for others. While working and putting the hampers together, I realised that this exact hamper will be going out to someone in need which also gave me some self-fulfilment." – Program participant

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we want to acknowledge all our young people who regularly engage in volunteering opportunities as part of Ladder programs. We would also like to take this week to recognise all the volunteers who support Ladder and assist us to continuing to support the young people in our programs. A big thank you for your wonderful enthusiasm and time.