Samaritans celebrates Volunteer Awareness Week

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
20 June 2011

Samaritans celebrates Volunteer Awareness Week

Samaritans of Wellington is using Volunteer Awareness week to publicly thank its volunteers. In particular Samaritans would like to thank those who have been volunteering for Samaritans long term, in some cases for over four decades.

“Samaritans has some volunteers who have been with us since almost day one. These are extraordinary people,” says Samaritans chairman, Bruce Wall.

The theme for the week, 19-25 June this year, is “every minute counts,” and Samaritans is thanking all its volunteers for the valuable time they spend listening to those when they are most in need.

“Volunteer week is an opportunity to recognise and thank our wonderful volunteers, we call them Sams, as well as encouraging others to become a Samaritans listening volunteer.”

‘‘Our volunteers are very lucky, they are able to give back to their community and help out others in need, as well as gaining a sense of fulfilment knowing they’ve made a very real difference in someone’s life.’’

“Our Sams today continue to be at the heart of the organisation by delivering our core listening service,” says Bruce.

Since 1965, Samaritans of Wellington has been providing confidential, non-religious and non-judgemental emotional support to those in distress and/or having suicidal thoughts and intentions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are an integral part of the Wellington community.

With the volume of calls continuing to grow, Samaritans has started a recruitment drive for more volunteers.

If you are interested in getting involved with Samaritans of Wellington to help your community and gain new skills contact your us on 04 472 3676 or visit www.samaritans.org.nz
ENDS

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