Volunteers Sought To Lend A Helping Hand In Gallipoli

Volunteers Sought To Lend A Helping Hand In Gallipoli

Volunteers are sought for an experience of a lifetime, assisting with vital visitor services at Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli in 2014.

Over the past eight years Conservation Volunteers has been appointed by the Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Australia to manage volunteer involvement in the Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli, Turkey.

This is an exciting, and strictly limited, chance to be a part of the team carrying out visitor services throughout the commemorative services. The 13 day experience provides volunteers with an opportunity to not just attend but to be involved in the commemorative services as well as opportunities to explore Istanbul and visit, learn and experience the historic battle sites along the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Volunteers will take part in the Dawn Service near Anzac Cove, the Australian service at Lone Pine and the New Zealand service at Chunuk Bair welcoming and assisting visitors including providing additional support to those with specialised requirements.

“It was an honour to be able to take part in the Anzac ceremonies at Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair and assist the many people who attended,” says 2013 Volunteer Joyce Hood. The number of young people attending who were keen to learn more about their forebears was amazing. I also learned how important this commemoration is to the Turkish people who were out in force to honour their dead. Altogether the journey was remarkable.”

Team Leader, Graeme Hickingbotham, said “To experience the Gallipoli peninsula on Anzac Day is incredibly special for New Zealanders and Australians. It’s made even more special through being part of a team of volunteers serving visitors at the commemorative services. This experience will stay with you for a lifetime.”

“We encourage applications from volunteers who feel they can assist with the programme. Although not essential, volunteers with Medical and Defence Force backgrounds are encouraged to apply.”
Applications close on the 15th November 2013.

Past programme teams have had a diverse demographic of ages and backgrounds and young people are encouraged to apply for the team in 2014. The minimum age for an applicant is 18 years.
Programme dates: 16 – 29 April 2014.

ENDS

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