In the context of CWSA, a volunteer is a person who gives of his or her time, ideas, ideals, resources, knowledge and skills without monetary compensation; a person with a community spirit who gives freely of their time and talents in an area of their individual choice.

Child Welfare South Africa is a volunteer driven organisation and our statistical indicators reflect that:

• 6 951 volunteers are involved with child welfare at management and service levels.
• 1 494 volunteers serve on child welfare society management committees.
• 202 volunteers serve on finance committees.
• 169 volunteers serve on social work committees.
• 261 volunteers serve on marketing and fundraising committees.
• 503 volunteers serve on early childhood development committees.
• 85 volunteers serve on residential care committees.
• 4 237 volunteers are involved in projects and service delivery.

Over and above these indicators, CWSA has trained and deployed 4 440 volunteers who serve children and families in our nationally coordinated HIV and AIDS and child protection programmes.

Some volunteers have served CWSA for years - 50 years in one instance - and are high achievers in their communities and chosen professions.

It is very gratifying that the services facilitated by CWSA provincial personnel for children in ‘far away places’ in South Africa are endorsed by community members who are willing to give their time and energy to the protection and care of children in their areas.