Behind the scenes of welfare volunteering
Volunteer Central, May 2020.
The Manawatu-Whanganui Civil Defence Group sought support to provide essential supplies in Palmerston North, and the Salvation Army (SA) answered the call in conjunction with other local organisations and donors. They have created a “well-oiled machine” to guarantee families in our community have food, blankets, and clothes through difficult times.
Behind the scenes at Volunteering Central
The Wanaka App, April 2020.
The busy team at Volunteering Central has hit the ground running with its response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since alert level four began Volunteering Central has been helping with everything from providing emotional support to isolated or anxious older residents; helping people with pharmacy pick ups and grocery shopping to those in need; and assisting council welfare teams; all the while dealing with a huge influx of new people offering to volunteer.
Lending a hand in lockdown
RNZ, April 2020.
Each year, the New Zealand Red Cross helps settle hundreds of former refugees in new homes across the country. During this lockdown the Red Cross is actively supporting 358 families – about 1300 people all together through their long-running volunteer programme.
Coronavirus: Championing peoples’ work and housing rights during lockdown
Stuff, April 2020.
David Cameron is one of 2600 Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) volunteers helping people understand their legal rights during the lockdown. Stuff is celebrating the coronavirus champions – including essential services workers and volunteers like Cameron – who are keeping New Zealand going through the lockdown.
Volunteer Kāpiti and Red Cross – Meals on Wheels success story!
Volunteer Kāpiti, April 2020.
Story: At the beginning of lockdown, it was clear to the Red Cross that many of their existing Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers were not going to be able to continue with their role due to being over 65 years old or existing medical conditions making them vulnerable to COVID-19. As an essential service, Red Cross Kāpiti branch asked Volunteer Kāpiti to advertise for new Drivers for the lockdown period so that their clients could continue to receive their daily meals. The response from the Kāpiti community was overwhelming and within 48 hours Volunteer Kāpiti had recruited and screened enough suitable volunteers for the service to continue in the Kāpiti area until it is safe for the existing volunteers to resume their positions. A fantastic example of a Volunteer Cetntre supporting their community through the COVID-19 response! Learn more about Volunteer Kāpiti.
Volunteers keen to help others
Otago Daily Times, April 2020.
Volunteering Central is concerned there may be people in need of help or support who are for whatever reason not asking during lockdown. Volunteering Central senior co-ordinator Gillian White’s main focus had switched to liaising with councils and their emergency response teams to co-ordinate “spontaneous” volunteers.
Hundreds volunteer to help others
Otago Daily Times, April 2020.
Otago communities have once again shown their willingness to step up during times of need. Volunteering Otago was thankful for the “strong” response it received when the nation moved into lockdown.
Coronavirus: Student volunteering, years after university ended
Stuff, April 2020.
This is the second time Courtenay Chenery has helped out as a member of the Student Volunteer Army (SVA). She continued to receive SVA’s emails long after she graduated – so when an appeal was launched for people to provide childcare for the children of essential workers during the lockdown, she knew she had to get back involved.
Matamata’s guardian angels
NZ Herald, April 2020.
Couple going to great lengths to help supply elderly in one of NZ’s worst COVID-19 clusters.
