Stories of volunteering

Thousands of people volunteer for city of Helsinki each year. Read the stories of some of our volunteers and start your own journey!

©Julia Kivelä, Helsingin kaupunki.

We all have a story

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Mervi

gardening enthusiast

”As a volunteer, I feel like part of the city and a citizen”
Watch Mervi's story (video)
Luis

volunteer at a service house

”To make someone happy also makes me happy.”
Watch Luis' story (video)
Oliver

animal lover

”I like volunteering because, I have found new friends here and I like being around animals.”
Watch Oliver's story (video)
Kyllikki

amateur archaeologist

”It is very rewarding to see the results of your own handiwork.”
Watch Kyllikki's story (video)

Iida-Maria, culture company

”I am interested in culture, and it is great not to be tied to a certain time or place, but be able to participate in activities flexibly. I can make my own schedule. And I also get to introduce customers to new experiences. Volunteering as a culture friend means interacting with people, it is so much fun!”

Julius, media worker

”It feels amazing to be able to help someone with very little effort. I have been blessed in my life, and it feels good to pass it along to someone else.”

Ali, musician

“I love playing music and playing as volunteer also makes other people happy.”

Timo, volunteer

”The feeling of being of real use motivates me to volunteer. For an assistant, social contact with the customer is an important part of the activity.”

Jani, peer group instructor

”One of the best things about volunteering is looking beyond yourself. It forces you to become less self-centred. Being active with others has helped me a lot and it has been easy to get involved: I just didn’t say no when asked.”

Tiina ja Eki, service centre volunteers

”We’re involved in volunteer activities because as long as we are able to walk, we have to be on the move, or we’ll get cabin fever. When you get to know the regulars, you start giving and receiving. There are so many lonely people, and this is a place where you can talk as much as you like.”

Hanna-Miia, group leader

”We don’t shy away from emotions.”

Leena, volunteer at a community center

”Volunteering provides some much needed structure in my week now that I am retired, even though I did volunteer while I was still working, as well. I am addicted to volunteering, I just have to participate. The best thing about volunteering is meeting people as people.”

Become a volunteer!

It feels amazing to be able to help someone with very little effort. I have been blessed in my life, and it feels good to pass it along to someone else.

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