Canberra has its very own Cause Club – and it’s reimagining volunteering as a way to make friends
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From run clubs to book clubs, Canberra is full of social communities. But the launch of the Cause Club brings something completely new: events designed not only to meet people, but to do good at the same time.
An initiative of youth-led mental health organisation ALLKND, the Cause Club was founded by Milly Bannister in 2024 before launching nationally in 2025. It’s a free social volunteering club that brings people together to do small hands-on projects and supports a different cause each month.
Cause Club offers the perfect mix of low-pressure social connection and meaningful action and has quickly grown as a way for people to make connections across the country.
In fact, since its launch 4,250 young people have joined the Cause Club community, with over 1,500 hours of social volunteering clocked and over 3,200 items donated in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. And now, the Cause Club has come to Canberra.
Chloe Jagger hosted Canberra’s very first event on Saturday 18 July, and says that it’s not your ‘typical’ networking or social event. Instead, where conversations can sometimes feel a bit forced or awkward, volunteering allows connection to happen naturally.
She also notes that the Cause Club makes volunteering feel accessible – something that can be a barrier for those who want to do good in the community but don’t know how to start.
“People connect while doing something useful together. There is no pressure to network or make forced conversation – you’re all working towards a shared goal, which makes connecting feel much more genuine and relaxed,” she explains.
“Each event creates a tangible outcome for a charity or community cause, so people hopefully can leave feeling like they have gained something while also giving something back.”
Free for anyone aged 16 and over to attend and designed with solo attendees in mind, the Cause Club will run on the third Saturday of each month. ALLKND will choose one cause and activity for all cities to participate in, with previous charities including Lifeline, Escabags, Wayside Chapel, Farmwall, and the Sydney Dogs & Cats Home.
The next event – a crafty afternoon of zine-making – will be held on Saturday 15 August, with attendees encouraged to show up in purple to celebrate Wear It Purple Day and support Minus18.
“I love the saying, ‘You can’t do everything, but you can do something ’, and I think Cause Club is a really cool way for Canberrans to do something. Small actions become much bigger when people do them together,” says Chloe.
“You do not need to know anyone, you do not need volunteering experience, you do not need to make a huge commitment – you just have to show up!”
Chloe says that it will be a relaxed way to meet people, learn more about an important cause, and contribute to something practical and meaningful. And in a world where one in six people experience loneliness, it’s helping young people find their people, one cause at a time.
“Many people want to give back, meet new people, or just feel more connected to their community, but they just don’t know where to start. The Cause Club offers an easy, low-pressure entry point to do both, which is especially valuable when so many people are feeling socially disconnected,” says Chloe.
“It’s a simple, practical way for Canberrans to make a positive difference in their own community.”
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Canberra Cause Club: Do Good IRL by Wearing It Purple & Making Zines
When: Saturday 15 August, 2–3.30 pm
Where: Salthouse Community Centre, Henty Street, Braddon
Tickets + more information: events.humanitix.com
Images supplied.
