Volunteer
Our Volunteers
Our Volunteers Are The Driving Force Behind Wheelchairs For Kids
Every wheelchair we send across the world begins with the care, skill and dedication of our volunteers.
Our large factory in Perth, Western Australia provides meaningful volunteering opportunities for hundreds of people - mostly retirees aged from their mid-60s through to their 90s. Part of our ethos is to continue to build a community of volunteers who have purpose and camaraderie.
Our factory is a happy place where people give their time and expertise to make sure children living with disability in less-developed countries receive the gift of mobility. Their vital contribution keeps our costs low, meaning we can create a very affordable wheelchair that is gifted free of charge to children.
Our Volunteers Work Across Four Key Areas
- Manufacturing and factory roles: Around 250 volunteers in shifts of up to 50 work Monday to Friday mornings in our Wangara factory. Together they construct and pack around 30 wheelchairs per day. This includes volunteers who cut and sew fabrics and who sort and bundle a rug and toys for every wheelchair.
- Office and admin: A number of administrative volunteers work in our factory office assisting with a range of activities including financial administration, procurement, warehousing, dispatch, health and safety and general office tasks.
- Fundraising and events: we have a number of people who help with our fundraising from assisting at events, shopping centre promotions, wheel-a-thons at schools and managing the hundreds of collection boxes we have installed across outlets in Perth and regional WA.
- Working from home: Many volunteers work from their homes to cut and sew covers for cushions and accessories. We have hundreds more who crochet, knit and sew individual knee rugs and soft toys from home or in craft groups both in WA and throughout Australia.
Beyond the satisfaction of making wheelchairs, volunteering brings people a great sense of purpose, camaraderie and joy. Many describe it as a life-changing experience - an opportunity to stay active, connected and make a tangible difference.
Together this remarkable community of volunteers proves that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results; transforming thousands of children’s lives, one wheelchair at a time.
Volunteer With Us – Expression Of Interest
Thank You For Your Interest In Volunteering With Wheelchairs For Kids Australia
We don’t have any current vacancies in our Manufacturing Group and there is a small waiting list, however, we will review your application and keep your details on file.
Before completing your Expression of Interest Form, please take a quick look at our Frequently Asked Questions.
Your information will be kept confidential and used only for the purpose of volunteering with Wheelchairs For Kids Australia. View our Privacy Policy for more details.
Volunteering FAQs
Here are some of the commonly asked questions we receive at Wheelchairs For Kids Australia. If you’re keen to join us, please have a quick read to see if volunteering with us will suit your needs and expectations.
What kind of work do volunteers do at WFKA?
Volunteers help assemble wheelchairs, pack shipments, sew cushions, pack tool kits, work in the office, help with fundraising and support our factory operations. There’s something for every skill level and interest.
Where is WFKA located?
Our main workshop is in Wangara, WA (northern suburbs of Perth). That’s where most volunteering takes place unless you are sewing from home or supporting fundraising or events.
Do I need specific skills or experience to volunteer?
Not at all. We’ll show you what to do. Volunteers come from all backgrounds and walks of life. You just a willingness to learn.
What work will I do? Can I choose?
You’ll be placed where you’re most needed and where your skills are best suited.
If I don’t like that job, can I do something else?
Absolutely. If a particular job isn’t quite right for you, we’ll help you find something that suits you better.
Will I move around and do different jobs?
You can stick with one job if you’re happy there, or try out different roles and learn new skills.
Will I get a tour or induction of the factory?
Yes, you’ll have a full induction and tour with one of our supervisors before you start. You will also meet the volunteers you’ll be working alongside. Your supervisor will walk you through each new task and make sure you’re comfortable.
What time do I start and how long do I work?
The factory opens at 7:30am and most volunteers work until around 12 noon with a 30 min tea break from 10am. You can work other hours or stay longer by discussing this with our Factory Manager.
How old do I need to be to volunteer?
Volunteers need to be at least 18 years old, unless they’re part of a supervised school group. While there is no upper age limit, you will need to be physically able to work on some of our equipment and perform some of the tasks in the factory. Our average volunteer age is 74 years.
How much time do I need to commit?
Many roles require a weekly commitment on an agreed day. However, volunteering is flexible and you can always take time off for holidays or illness by letting us know in advance.
Will I work with someone or on my own?
It depends on the task, but don’t worry, there’s always someone nearby to lend a hand or have a chat.
Is the work physically demanding?
It depends on the task. Some roles involve lifting or standing for long periods, but others are seated or desk-based. We have trolleys and moving equipment to aid with anything heavy. We’ll match you to a role that suits your ability and never ask you to perform a task you are uncertain about.
Can I volunteer if I have limited mobility or other accessibility needs?
Yes. We aim to make volunteering inclusive. Let us know what you need and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Do you take work experience, student placement, or community service hours at WFKA?
Yes, we can, depending on our capacity. Please contact us through the office or our Contact Form with the details and we’ll let you know what’s possible.
How do I get started?
Please complete our Volunteer Expression of Interest form and we’ll be in touch. Please be aware some roles have a wait list.
Toys & Rugs
A Touch Of Comfort With Every Wheelchair
Every wheelchair that leaves our factory carries more than mobility - it carries a little bit of comfort and joy.
Alongside their new wheelchair, each child receives a handmade knee rug and a soft toy, lovingly created and donated by volunteers. These small gifts often become treasured companions, offering warmth, security and fun for their young owners. The toys also offer a friendly distraction during the wheelchair fitting process.
Volunteers across Australia knit, crochet and sew rugs and toys. No two are alike - every rug is unique; every toy has its own character - making them as individual as the children who receive them.
While a wheelchair brings mobility, it’s this extra touch that brings smiles, reassurance and a message of hope that there are people far away who care.
Donating Knee Rugs
- We accept new rugs only. They can be crocheted, knitted or quilted.
- Our preferred size is 90cm x 90cm which is ideal for a child’s knee rug.
- Rugs of a larger size will be included in shipments where possible.
Knitted Or Handmade Toys
- We accept new, handmade toys.
- These can be knitted or sewn from cloth – our donors are very creative with the lovely soft toys they make.
- Our only requirement is that they not be too small and be up to 30cm in height.