Volunteer in Sydney: Giving back to the community - How our ARV Teens turned care into connection

There’s something powerful about seeing young people step up for others. Recently, our ARV Teens (aged 13–17) spent an evening working together to make a real difference in our community.

Armed with shopping lists, teamwork and lots of enthusiasm, our teens hit the supermarket to purchase personal hygiene essentials, things we often take for granted like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and hygiene products. Together, they gathered over 60 items chosen and then together, packed them with care.

Picking up essential items ready for distribution to those in need.

From there, we joined the inspiring crew at Parliament on King a Sydney social enterprise that provides training and employment for refugees and asylum seekers while cooking meals for people experiencing homelessness. Partnering with them for their Soup of Human Kindness Program, a ‘Soup Kitchen’ at Parliament on King gave our young volunteers a glimpse of how food, compassion, and purpose can bring communities together.

Under the warm guidance of the Parliament on King team, we helped pack and delivered soup, hygiene products, clothing, books and sweet treats to people in Surry Hills and Green Park. Along the way, our teens shared smiles, conversations, and a delicious Tamil soup cooked by one of the refugee chefs - a meal that carried both flavour and story.

When our teens volunteer, they’re not just helping others, they’re building empathy, confidence, and leadership.

Volunteers packing portions of flavourful Tamil soup, lovingly prepared by a talented refugee chef at Parliament on King's community kitchen.

A huge thank you to the incredible team at Parliament on King for welcoming us into your community and showing us what compassion in action looks like. And to our teens and volunteers you are what makes ARV special.

If you’re ready to make a difference (and have some fun along the way), join us! Volunteer in Sydney with ARV and be part of the next story of connection and care.

If you want to find out more and meet some of our volunteers - come along to our ARV Info night and Social on Dec 5th at Surry Hills. RSVP here : https://events.humanitix.com/arv-info-night

Did you know King on Parliament can also cater your next event?

The food is made with love and pride - from finger food and noodles to banquets! They’ve done everything from birthday parties, to lunches and formal dinners. You’ll have some thing lovely to eat, while helping some lovely people. Let them cater your next event.