Ainsley Gawdat is currently volunteering in our Volunteer Engagement Team, supporting the Sydney Office and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator.

Ainsley’s role is to assist in the recruitment of Oxfam’s shop and office volunteers and to help with reception and administrative duties such as answering phones and enquiries.

In the past, Ainsley helped with Oxfam’s 2018 Close the Gap Day campaign and with the launch of the What She Makes campaign. This involved a variety of tasks such as liaising with supporters, helping with event planning and recruiting individuals and groups to support these campaigns.

What led you to start volunteering with Oxfam?

I started my volunteer position at Oxfam due to my strong desire to get experience in the NGO sector. More so, I have always wanted to volunteer with Oxfam due to the amazing and versatile work they do in the International Development field.

I have great admiration for the overall approach of Oxfam which promotes sustainability and participation of the key stakeholders they target their programs and campaigns at.

What do you feel is the most important issue we work on?

It is hard to say that any one project or campaign at Oxfam is necessarily the most important issue as Oxfam is currently working on several critical campaigns and projects aimed at addressing injustices and inequalities.

I am personally very passionate about Oxfam’s new What She Makes campaign which is petitioning big brands to pay a living wage to their overseas clothes makers in countries such as Bangladesh where workers are paid as little as 37 cents an hour.

I also have great admiration for Oxfam’s Trailwalker events where both those participating in this physical challenge and those who volunteer to help with event, come together with the motivation to raise funds which help support the great work of Oxfam.

What do you gain out of volunteering?

I have gained a lot from my volunteer experience at Oxfam. This has included acquiring new skills and work experience relevant to the types of jobs I will be applying for when I finish university.

I have also had the opportunity to meet some amazing and inspiring people who work and volunteer alongside me at Oxfam. Most of all volunteering has provided me with a great sense of achievement as I know that the time and effort I give is contributing to the work of Oxfam to address poverty and create positive social change.

What would you tell anyone interested in volunteering at Oxfam?

I would say that it is a rewarding and sometimes challenging experience which will hopefully provide them with the opportunity to develop new knowledge and skills. I would also suggest that volunteering at Oxfam will give them the chance to be a part of a network of people aimed at making a positive difference in the world.

What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

When I’m not volunteering I will be normally be at uni where I am completing a double degree in Commerce and Arts. I also like to go to the beach, spend time with my friends and family and go on hiking adventures.

Oxfam’s Sydney office is holding their annual ‘Singing your Praises’ karaoke event during National Volunteer Week to say thank you to our amazing volunteers. What’s your karaoke tune of choice?

My karaoke tune of choice is Bohemian Rhapsody.