A World of Difference

The Vodafone Foundation of Australia is once again searching for five Australians who want to make a world of difference to their chosen charity.

The telco giant’s “World of Difference” program will see five individual volunteers get the chance to take a year off and work full time for the charity they are most passionate about, (without going bankrupt).

Vodafone will cover the successful applicants’ annual salary (up to $60,000) and expenses (up to $15,000), and will support them with initial planning and regular workshops to help them make the most of their year.

One of the current awardees, Emma O’Connell, is working for Musicians Making a Difference, and has urged volunteers to apply for the program.

“This program changed my life, it’s changed the charity for good, and it can change your life too,” Ms O’Connell said.

“Before Vodafone’s world of difference program I had to split my life and my heart between two jobs. This program has given me the opportunity to work full time for a charity that I care so much about.”

Another awardee, Rebecca Ho, has praised Vodafone for allowing her to expand her chosen charity, Touched by Olivia Foundation.

“The Vodafone Foundation’s World of Difference program gave Touched by Olivia the opportunity to employ their first full time employee, me. We’ve been able to achieve in one year what would otherwise take five,” she said.

While not-for-profit organisations cannot apply for the program, they can spread the word to their volunteers and ask if they would like to apply to become a full-time volunteer for a year.

Applications are open until 4pm on Friday, February 17.