At the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in Footscray, volunteers help create a calm and welcoming space where people can choose food and essentials that suit their household.

We meet Laura and Maria, two volunteers whose stories show how volunteering can bring connection, purpose and belonging.

FareShare stayed in Doug’s mind for years before the time felt right to volunteer. He nearly did not apply, but on his first day, a 90-minute shift turned into several hours of helping.

Some families pass down recipes. Clare is passing down volunteering.

When Clare brought her daughter Matilda along for her very first FareShare shift, volunteering became more than giving time to others. It became a shared family experience, built on connection, learning by doing and showing the next generation what community contribution can look like.