NZ Red Cross vulnerable without volunteers

15 June 2007

New Zealand Red Cross vulnerable without volunteers

Volunteer Awareness week (17-23 June) provides New Zealand Red Cross the opportunity to acknowledge and thank its pool of 25,000 volunteers operating across the country fulfilling many roles.

Without volunteers New Zealand Red Cross would not be in a position to assist vulnerable people, says chief executive John Ware.

365 days a year New Zealand Red Cross staff and volunteers help over 24,000 people in the community each week.

“The success of New Zealand Red Cross is built on the work of our volunteers. For over 75 years we’ve been working in New Zealand communities helping those people who can’t always help themselves. Our pool of 25,000 volunteers working selflessly in many different jobs allows us to fulfill this vital role,” said Mr Ware.

To help acknowledge Volunteer Awareness week Mr Ware will be offering his services on Thursday June 21st as a meals on wheels driver in Christchurch. Volunteers make a huge contribution to the meals on wheels programme nationally with over 3000 New Zealanders giving their time to make the service happen.

The concept of volunteering is not new to Mr Ware, before taking on the position as chief executive he spent many years as a volunteer filling governance roles for New Zealand Red Cross.

Community services offered by New Zealand Red Cross and supported by volunteers include a national breakfast in schools programme, meals on wheels deliveries, operating emergency response and preparedness units and supporting the health sector with training, information and transport services.

Across the country New Zealand Red Cross regional offices and branches are also making preparations to celebrate Volunteer Awareness week with a range of events planned to acknowledge the importance of the highly valued work volunteers do.

ENDS

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