This International Volunteer Day, ANU is recognising the many ways alumni volunteers strengthen our University. This year, more than 400 alumni around the world have given their time, skills and care - welcoming future students, supporting alumni gatherings, and taking part in on-campus activities such as food distribution for students in need.
Each act of service, often just 1-2 hours of time, helps shape an ANU where people look after one another. That was on full display in October, when two alumni volunteer events brought this spirit to campus.
On Monday 16 October, alumni and staff came together for the Community Connect hamper packing session. Working alongside ANU Student Life, volunteers prepared holiday hampers filled with seasonal treats and practical items for students in the Community Connect food relief program, who often face the long summer break far from family or support networks. The response from students who received the hampers was heartfelt.
"I just want to thank everyone who helped make these hampers, I can see a lot of thought went into them," said one student.
"This service has been life saving," shared another.
A week later, on Wednesday 23 October, alumni volunteers returned to campus to support the ANU Foodbank Pop-Up Market, delivered by Foodbank NSW & ACT in partnership with ANU Student Life.
With a truck full of fresh produce, bread and pantry staples from Sydney Markets and other suppliers, volunteers welcomed students throughout the day and helped distribute free groceries at a time of rising living costs. Their presence offered not only immediate relief but also a reminder that the ANU community stands with students navigating these pressures.
Both activities formed part of the University's appeal, which brings together alumni, donors and friends to support students experiencing hardship.
For many volunteers, giving time provided a meaningful way to contribute directly to student wellbeing. For students, the impact was practical, visible, and in many cases, deeply felt.
On this International Volunteer Day, we are proud of alumni volunteers, whose efforts enrich ANU and make a tangible difference in students' lives.
If you would like to make a difference through your ANU alumni community, you can or, if you are able to, .
