We’re shining a light on the wonderful people that volunteer their time and talents to Spark for National Volunteers Week (May 18-24). There are now over 40 Sparkies (and growing) who have collectively contributed 1357 volunteer hours to date – each in their own way to elevate the conversation of loneliness, gently host groups, listen deeply to others, and send ripple effects into the community. 

Spark came to be because people in the community put up their hands to help solve loneliness. Spark would not exist without the volunteer Sparkies who bring their skills, experience, and empathy to create solutions to this enormous social challenge. Whether it’s designing new connection opportunities, creating a welcoming environment, bringing the joy and fun, sharing stories to reduce stigma, or being citizen scientists, they are the people doing the things we take for granted but desperately need for wellbeing. They do all this and more! If loneliness is a shadow, Sparkies are the wiring that makes the community shine that little bit brighter.

Thank you for your incredible contribution.