Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Volunteers Share Stories For National Volunteer Week

Volunteers have shared many touching moments of volunteering in the lead up to Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu National Volunteer Week (20-26 June).

Volunteering New Zealand ran a campaign called Connect our Hearts in which volunteers were invited to share some special moments.

“Volunteers often tell us they receive as much aroha as they give. Our social media campaign has captured some of those times when our heartstrings are pulled and we know how much difference we’re making to someone else,” says Volunteering New Zealand Chief Executive, Michelle Kitney.


Here are some of the stories:

Civil Defence response: Dellwyn Moylan, Ashburton District Council Civil Defence. Dellwyn was a Civil Defence volunteer during the late-May flood-induced State of Emergency in Mid-Canterbury. Based at Hakatere Marae, her role included registering evacuees, offering immediate help with their needs, and assisting them to settle into their stay. "When suddenly you are stranded away from home, family and friends, or if you have to leave the safety and security of your home because the flood is approaching it can be the small things that change how you feel. When people get simple things like clothing, toiletries, a phone charger for them to contact people they love, their faces and spirits lit up.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

A cause close to your heart: Jim Vince, Heart Kids Canterbury. “I have been involved with Heart Kids Canterbury ever since our granddaughter was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition 17 years ago. My granddaughter’s condition is for life so that is my motivation, as long as I am able. The satisfaction of helping someone through this time is well worth the effort and time spent.”

Making friends and sharing interests: Lydia Bristow, IHC, Wellington. Lydia does buddy volunteering and hangs out with Gio every week, and involves her dog Mac. “I got into volunteering to improve someone else's life, but ended up improving my own life too. Gio’s friendship is so refreshing, I look forward to our chats and laughing with Gio. Gio has taught me to enjoy the simple things in life again; he has taught me that human connection is so important for everyone.”

Helping people in need: Oonagh Daly, Coastguard Canterbury. Oonagh loves being part of a round-the-clock rescue service, to help people when they really need it. “Boaties can have confidence that someone will always be ready to help when the call goes out. Coastguard is a great organisation that pushes us to be our best and helps us train and keep gaining more skills.”

Social interaction and working together: Christopher Wong, Coeliac New Zealand, Auckland. CNZ understands the importance of social connections. It fosters different social groups across the country which work together to foster a strong network between members. CNZ collaborates alongside organisations from different industries to provide the best experience and value for its’ members. “Volunteering is a rewarding two-way process. On one hand, it gives you a wonderful opportunity to serve a group of your choice and provides a sense of purpose. On the other hand, volunteering allows you to meet other like-minded people, grow your social circle and improve your interpersonal skills.”

These stories, photos and more can be seen at: Facebook and Instagram and on the Volunteering New Zealand website.

© Scoop Media

 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.