International Volunteer Day, Sunday 5 December

3 December 2010

International Volunteer Day (5 December) is an opportunity for all New Zealand to acknowledge the role volunteers make to our communities, according to Members of ComVoices, an independent network of more than 20 community and voluntary sector organisations.

More than 1 million New Zealanders volunteer in most aspects of daily live, including driving our fire trucks, keeping our beaches safe, contributing to New Zealand sporting and cultural heritage, assisting in our children’s education and providing support to the elderly and infirm.

Tim Burns, Executive Director of Volunteering NZ, said the Canterbury earthquake and Pike River tragedy had highlighted the ways in which volunteers are important in a time of crisis.

“International Volunteer Day is an opportunity to recognise the positive impact of volunteering on the wellbeing of New Zealand. International Volunteer Day is about thanking volunteers and recognising their contribution,” he said.

Tina Reid, Executive Director of the New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations, said New Zealand was in the unique position where most community and social services are provided by non-government organisations that rely heavily on volunteer time to deliver vital services to our communities.”

Dave Henderson, National Coordinator for the Association of NGOs of Aotearoa (ANGOA) said the New Zealand economy benefited from volunteers as they contribute more per capita to non-profit organisations than any other country in the world.

In 2008, 67% of the non-profit workforce donated over 265 million of unpaid hours.

Robin Gunston, National Director of Prison Fellowship of New Zealand, said volunteers’ contribution is matched by the personal benefits of volunteering.

“The 2010 New Zealand General Social Survey shows that people who do voluntary work have higher levels of life satisfaction compared to those who don’t do voluntary work.”

Ric Odom, Chief Executive of YMCA New Zealand, said international research shows volunteers develop skills that are of value throughout their lives and careers, including communication and interpersonal skills.

“Volunteering is a great way to meet people, make friends, gain practical work experience and contribute to your community,” he said.

To find out how your community will be celebrating International Volunteer Day, visit http://www.volunteeringnz.org.nz

ENDS

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