In a world that feels increasingly automated, fast, and disconnected, volunteering remains one of the most powerful ways to create real, human impact. Yet for many people, knowing how and where to help has become surprisingly complicated.
Angela and Anahita, sisters with backgrounds in tech and a shared passion for community-driven action, set out to change that. Living in Cyprus and deeply connected to both local and expat communities, they created VolunTree: a free app designed to make volunteering simple, accessible, and meaningful again.
Let’s start at the beginning: who are Angela and Anahita?
We’re sisters. Our parents are originally Persian, we’re from the UK, and we’ve been living in Cyprus for the past five years, where we’ve become part of different expat and local communities. We started building VolunTree in 2024. We both work in tech, love volunteering, and have always been drawn to community-driven work, which naturally led us to building something together.
What problem did you see that made you feel VolunTree needed to exist?
We wanted to help our communities but kept running into the same issue: NGOs didn’t have enough visibility, and as volunteers, we didn’t know where to start. Finding opportunities felt unnecessarily complicated—long applications, unclear details, and too much faff just to give your time. We realised there wasn’t a simple, accessible platform to find volunteering opportunities close to you.
For someone discovering VolunTree for the first time, how would you describe the app?
VolunTree is a free-to-use app that helps people find meaningful volunteering opportunities based on their interests and location. But it is more than an app. You can easily discover causes you care about, see what’s happening nearby, and get involved without unnecessary steps. For NGOs, it’s a simple way to post opportunities and reach people who genuinely want to help.
You’ve said VolunTree is more than just an app. Why?
It’s never just been an app to us. Yes, everything happens in one place, community feed, events, donations but what we’re really building is something deeper. It’s a social movement shaped by our values and the way we believe people should show up for one another.
We’re living in a time where so much of life is automated, online, or driven by AI, and slowly, the human side of things has been stripped away. VolunTree is our way of holding on to that human connection. Volunteering is not transactional, it’s personal. It’s showing up, even in small ways, and knowing that it matters. That’s what VolunTree means to my sister and me: protecting something sacred, building community, and reminding people that real impact starts with real connection.
What organizations can join the app, and what steps do they need to take?
All organizations can join VolunTree. There’s no complicated onboarding—just sign up, download the app, and post opportunities. We wanted to keep the barrier to entry as low as possible so volunteering feels accessible and efficient for everyone. Giving your time shouldn’t be harder than it needs to be.
Are sustainability-related projects part of the platform?
Yes, absolutely. We’ll have sustainability-focused projects such as tree planting, environmental clean-ups, and community initiatives. The app also allows individuals or community members to create events like organising a beach clean-up and share them on the platform. There’s also a donations section so users can support NGOs they care about.
What do you think holds people back most from volunteering today, and how does VolunTree help?
We think it’s mainly a lack of information and accessibility. People often don’t know when NGOs need help most: whether it’s due to limited funding, resources, or urgent needs. It becomes a two-way problem: NGOs can’t reach volunteers, and people who want to help can’t find the right opportunity. VolunTree removes those barriers by making information clear, opportunities easy to find, and matching simple and efficient.
Many people want to “do good” but don’t know where to start. What would you say to them?
You’re not alone. Wanting to help is common, knowing how to start isn’t. Our app exists to make that first step easier, by showing opportunities that fit your life, location, and interests. You don’t need to commit to everything; even small actions matter.
Finally, the question I ask everyone in my interviews: what is one small step towards sustainability each of us can embrace?
One simple step is encouraging the people we love to donate their time. Even a few hours on a weekend: walking an animal, helping at a shelter, or cleaning a beach. These actions can make a real difference. Impact spreads quickly when it’s shared within communities.
Interviewed by Lusine Mirzoyan
Photos are provided by Angela and Anahita (founders of VolunTree App)
Find out more about the app: https://voluntree.app/
www.natureallydone.com 
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