A Day in the Life: What's it Really Like to Volunteer with Eurorelief?
Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a humanitarian volunteer actually looks like? Is it all non-stop action and high-stakes drama? Or is there a different kind of rhythm to it? The truth is, every day is unique, and every volunteer’s experience is different.
To give you a real glimpse into life on the ground, we chatted with two of our incredible volunteers on Lesvos: Jason, a long-term Shift Leader who works inside the camp, and Paula, our Member Care volunteer who provides vital support to the team. Their roles are different, but their purpose is the same: to go the second mile to restore hope and dignity.
Starting the Day with Purpose
For many, the morning starts quietly. “I prefer a mostly quiet morning for the first 30 minutes,” Jason shares. “After that, I’m usually ready to interact with humanity.”
That interaction begins at the team briefing. It’s the anchor of the day for everyone. Paula, who admits she’s not a morning person, says, “Team briefing is the only moment in camp that you can see the whole team together... Starting the day as a team and not as separate departments.”
Jason agrees. “Starting the day with a worship time and devotional definitely draws the team together and helps to prepare everyone for the day.” It’s a moment of spiritual community, a chance to focus and remember why we’re here before heading into the complexities of the day.
Hands-On Humanitarian Work
Once the briefing ends, the day unfolds. As a Shift Leader, Jason is at the heart of the camp's operations. “I usually arrive in camp about 30 minutes before briefing to go over the plan for the day,” he explains. “Coordinators will make various requests for help, and we are responsible for shuffling people around to keep everything running smoothly.”
It’s a dynamic role that requires quick thinking. “Problem-solving and thinking creatively throughout the day are some of the most enjoyable parts of the job,” Jason says. “I try to check in on most departments twice a day if possible just to support where needed. I really enjoy being able to pitch in and help wherever it is busy.”
Paula’s role as Member Care has a different focus but is just as crucial. “My job is to set our short-term volunteers up for success,” she says. “Therefore, my job is to welcome them, be available for them in any way they might need me, prepare community nights, and be there for emergencies.” Her role requires immense presence and flexibility. Several times a week, she also steps in as a Foodline Teamlead, leading a team of international and resident volunteers to ensure hundreds of people receive their meals in the best way possible.
Whether organising logistics or offering a listening ear, every role is about showing up and being reliable. It’s a living example of one of our core values: Our hearts move our hands.
Challenges and Unforgettable Rewards
No one pretends this work is easy. The challenges are real. “Working in a multicultural environment is a very cool and unique experience, where we need to learn how to communicate,” Paula shares, adding that being far from loved ones is also tough.
Jason reflects on the emotional side. “While the work is very rewarding, it can also be exhausting and draining at the same time,” he says. “It can be a challenge to maintain a healthy balance of personal time when the demands are so intensive.”
So, what keeps them going? Community.
“Being surrounded by people that share the same values is really helpful when you’re trying to overcome the challenges,” Paula says. Jason agrees wholeheartedly. “The support that you receive from the team is one of the ways that it remains sustainable to work here long-term. I can’t overstress the importance of a strong, faith-based community to rely on for support.”
And the rewards are profound. They aren’t always big, dramatic moments. Often, they’re small, beautiful signs of progress. “One simple example could be witnessing the improvement of volunteers and residents who struggle with English,” Paula smiles. “A bigger example could be the celebrations of hearing the good news that friends that were asylum seekers have received a positive decision.” For Jason, it comes back to a powerful feeling: “I felt a strong sense of purpose and camaraderie within the team that was unique over other places I had worked before.”
A Place for You?
Every evening, volunteers return to their shared housing, where the community continues. “It’s very common to hear that your roommates also became your closest friends,” says Paula. They share meaningful conversations about the sweet and bitter moments of their days, reflecting, recharging, and preparing for tomorrow.
Thinking about joining us? Paula has some final words of encouragement.
“Personally, I think the main reason I’m volunteering in Greece is the growth and development this place has brought into my life. I have gained better knowledge of many global issues, I have developed different skills, and I have met amazing people that have taught me important life lessons. This is a place where I’ve felt most comfortable and confident to do new things I’ve never tried before.”
If you have a heart for serving people and are looking for a place to use your skills, we have a place for you. You don’t need to be a seasoned aid worker. You just need a willingness to learn, a heart that moves your hands, and a desire to bring light into darkness.
Are you ready to find your place in the Eurorelief family?
