World Vision thanks its many volunteers

On International Volunteer Day, World Vision would like to thank the hundreds of New Zealanders who give their time, talent and energy to bring hope to thousands of children, families and communities living in extreme poverty overseas.

World Vision's National Volunteers Manager, John Currie, says the organisation values its dedicated volunteers and appreciates the wonderful contribution they make year after year.

"Our volunteers come from all over New Zealand, from different walks of life, offering a range of skills and capacities to serve. They give valuable support to many programmes and without them, we wouldn't be nearly as effective," says John.

World Vision volunteers range from professionals who want to contribute their skills and expertise, to teenagers, wanting to do something meaningful with their spare time and retirees with a passion to change lives. There are also a large number of families who regularly volunteer at events and activities throughout the year. John says it is a common misconception that you need a lot of free time to volunteer.

For Auckland teenagers, Ben Goodger and Daniel Cullam, the decision to volunteer for World Vision was fuelled by a desire to do something significant for a cause that would benefit others. They started the "The One Year T-shirt Challenge", wearing printed t-shirts for a year to raise money for rainwater tanks in Nshamba, Tanzania. So far, they have raised over $3000 and have recruited eight team members to join them in 2009.

Long-time volunteer, Bryan Mayall from Hamilton collects donation boxes and supports the 40 Hour Famine each year. Twenty years on, the generosity of Kiwis continues to amaze him, knowing the difference that their contribution will make in fighting extreme poverty.

Having a strong network of volunteers in New Zealand enables World Vision to send over 75% of funds raised to aid and development projects overseas.

John encourages people to look on the World Vision website www.worldvision.org.nz, if they are interested finding ways to become involved.

Volunteering Market Day very successful

More than 50 people including potential new volunteers attended the Volunteering Market Day at Volunteer Wellington. Volunteering NZ co-hosted with Volunteer Wellington and participated with a stall demonstrating its work and some of its resources.

Other stalls demonstrated different aspects of Volunteer Wellington's work and services including the volunteer interview process, the employee volunteering programme, administration, promotion and advocacy and training and other services.

Wellington Deputy Mayor, Ian McKinnon, opened the event and those attending came from a wide range of community agencies, corporate members and government departments as well as current and potential volunteers.

A special feature was a quiz where the answers could be found at the 'stalls' to be visited. All correct entries received a prize.

BBQ lunch for New Plymouth Volunteers

Over 200 volunteers from round New Plymouth will be hosted at a special barbecue lunch on International Volunteer Day. They will be served by the Mayor, Peter Tennant and community and sporting celebrities.

The Waitara Savage Club will provide the entertainment.

VOLUNTEERS VITAL TO SAFE ENJOYMENT OF THE OUTDOORS

Celebrating International Volunteer Day, the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council acknowledged the vital contribution its more than 1,400 volunteer instructors make to the outdoor recreation sector.

Chief Executive Darryl Carpenter said that the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council was fortunate to have the support of a large pool of dedicated, well trained volunteer instructors to deliver the outdoor safety message into their local communities.

“We would like to thank the many Kiwi volunteers who willingly give their time to enable others to enjoy the outdoors safely – from youth leaders, teachers, instructors to local tramping guides. Without a doubt, many people, particularly young people, would not have had the opportunities to enjoy the outdoors if it had not been for the dedication and willingness of volunteers to share their knowledge and experience. Volunteers play a vital role in giving the skills and resources people need to participate safely outdoors.

“Earlier this year, we were proud to establish the Mountain Safety Council Outdoor Excellence Volunteer Award to recognise the contribution of volunteers to safe outdoor recreation.

“The inaugural recipient Angela Anderson was given the award for her outstanding contribution to girl guiding in the Auckland region. Angela is a terrific example of the many volunteers who regularly donate their time and energy to their community and give people positive experiences of the outdoors. Volunteering is incredibly rewarding experience. We encourage those with skills and passion to take the opportunity to pass on their love of the outdoors to someone else.

“The Council supports volunteers by providing training, advice and resources. It has a major role in training outdoor leaders from other organisations so they are furnished with the skills and knowledge to safely lead outdoor activities.

“Providing volunteers with the opportunities to safely participate in the outdoors and to lead thers is one way the Council is supporting the community and working towards safer participation in the outdoors,” said Mr Carpenter.

To become a Mountain Safety Council volunteer, contact your local Mountain Safety Council branch or contact Jane Hoedemaeckers. Contact details for branch offices and information on outdoor safety can be found on the Council’s website http://www.mountainsafety.org.nz .

Honour to Trish Hanlen

One of the Bay of Plenty’s most well known and respected members of the social work and teaching fraternities and champion of voluntary workers, Trish Hanlen, was awarded the NZ Order of Merit in June this year when the Queen’s Birthday Honours were bestowed.

Trish’s list of community service and achievements in the governance, management, leadership and advisory roles as well as the “hands on” work spans from1983 and includes serving in communities of Tokoroa, Invercargill, Rotorua and Tauranga.

The true spirit of contributing to community is researching and identifying the needs of the community, enlisting the necessary resources, implementing and helping initiate new projects or changes, then handing over to able successors. Trish Hanlen has given to her communities in this spirit and her altruistic, outstanding services have not gone unnoticed. The honour conferred on her is richly deserved.

RNZFB thanks its volunteers

Today the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind would like to acknowledge its thousands of volunteers who support our cause in so many ways, through volunteer driving, puppy walking, narrating talking books and helping our members with daily tasks. Thank you for making a difference!

Alison Marshall
National Manager Volunteer Services / Locality Co-ordinator
Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind
Te Tuāpāpā o te Hunga Kāpō o Aotearoa

Meet our Dunedin Stars

THE stars were out last night, as about 150 people gathered to celebrate Dunedin’s unsung heroes in an awards ceremony hosted by The Star at the Dunedin Railway Station.
Wax Preston, Emma Rosevear, Netta Noone, Felicity Prescott, Sharon McKenzie and Cory Sutherland were named ‘‘Dunedin Stars’’ for 2008 in The Star’s fourth annual awards celebrating our city’s volunteers.
The awards evening at Scotia Restaurant in the Dunedin railway station was attended by nominees, their nominators, Allied Press management, Star staff and invited guests.
Star editor Helen Speirs, Dunedin Deputy Mayor Syd Brown and, via a pre-recorded video, new Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector Tariana Turia addressed the audience at the event, held in the week of International Volunteer Day, December 5.
For the full story and pictures, click on the heading "Meet our Dunedin Stars".

Canterbury Playcentre thanks it volunteers

http://www.canplay.org.nz/

http://playcentre.org.nz/

Canterbury Playcentre is saying 'Thanks" to is volunteers with a BBQ on Saturday 6 Deceber. Throughout Canterbury there are over 1000 volunteers who assist in making our organisation run. They start at the top with the parents of the 50 centres in Canterbury throught to the time given by Association staff each year. There are thousands of hours given my mums, dads, grandparents and extended whanau volunteering to make our centres run smoothly

International Volunteer Day at the YWCA

On International Volunteer Day 2008, 15 members from Stace Hammond's Auckland and Hamilton offices are volunteering at the YWCA of Hamilton.

Volunteers will be getting their hands dirty with a spot of painting and some light gardening. Alongside YWCA volunteer drivers, SH staff will also help deliver Mobile Meals to 100 elderly, ill and injured recipients in Hamilton.

Earlier in the week, on 1st of December, the YWCA Board volunteers organised the inaugural World AIDS Day BBQ/picnic at the Hamilton YWCA. Margaret Walden, YWCA, Geoff Ruaine, New Zealand AIDS Foundation and Jane Bruning, Positive Women were guest speakers at the event. Over 200 balloons were released at the end of the event to remember those affected by HIV and AIDS.

Thousands of volunteers have generously contributed their talents and time to support the YWCA since it was established in Hamilton 65 years ago. The YWCA would like to say a big thank you to all those who volunteer at the YWCA.

IVD events in Mid and South Canterbury

Volunteering Mid and South Canterbury are working to ensure volunteers are recognised in our community.

Morning tea is provided at Community House where our office is based – along with other voluntary groups. The tea is provided by Senior Citizens.

At 10:30am there will be a speech from the Chairperson of Volunteering Mid and South Canterbury – recognising the work done by volunteers within the South Canterbury region.

10:45am Certificates will be presented

From 10-12pm FREE health checks will be provided to volunteers, from Aoraki Primary Health Organisation. This will include Blood pressure checks, heart information, diabetes, smoke-free, nutrition and more information relating to health and well being.

Within the region:

Ashburton is having a Community Services EXPO, at the Ashburton Trust Event Centre from 12-5pm. The publicity material is provided by Volunteering Mid and South Canterbury.

Geraldine Community Resource Centre – Te Rito, is also displaying material to promote volunteering.

Enliven Befriending Service

Enliven Befriending Services (Presbyterian support Northern) would like to thank all the volunteers, past and present for their wonderful contribution to the community in 2008.

To celebrate International Volunteer Day we are having a small BBQ for our Volunteers at Cornwall Park (cross fingers it doesn't rain!!).

We will be eating delicious sausages and Cowells Pavlova have generously donated some Pavlova to nom nom on down. Thanks Cowells! You are the best.
Nothing says "Thankyou" and "Merry Christmas" like a BBQ and Pavlova!!

We are always in need of volunteers, so if you are interested in being a part of a special service for our elderly community, please do not hesitate to contact me:

Tracy Kenyon
Befriending Coordinator

Presbyterian Support

Enliven Services

tracy.kenyon@psn.org.nz

09 526 7913 // 027 563 1086

Parents Centres NZ Inc

Parents Centres NZ Inc would like to sincerely thank all of our volunteers who have given and continue to give so much of their time and energy to their committee role. Without the work of our volunteers we would not be able to provide the excellent services throughout the country. For more information on volunteering opportunities or a Centre near you please visit our website http://www.parentscentre.org.nz/

Joan Hay

Volunteer Services Manager

Debbie Kell

Volunteer Services Co-ordinator

Volunteering With IHC

IHC would like to take the opportunity on Dec 5th to thank all their awesome volunteers. We have different celebrations happening in all our areas, ranging from Ten Pin Bowling, Morning/Afternoon tea's, Barbeques, Dinners and Garden Parties. Anyone wanting more information about volunteering with us please call us on 0800442442. Thank You again for all the support you have given us.



Donna Urwin
National Coordinator for Volunteering
IHC

Volunteering Mid North celebration

We are celebrating International Volunteer Day on Friday the 5th of December at Te Puna Matatau, 12 Marino Place, Kaikohe.

We have invited 12 Agencies to promote their services. Kuia, Kaumatua will provide low impact aerobics. Another group from Kerikeri will show their skills at line dancing. Special guest speakers, and singers will also feature. The business community have supported the concept and are sponsoring the event. The road show will happen from 9am-2pm. Nominations have been called to award an outstanding volunteer from the area.

Bella Tari
Volunteering Mid North
Te Puna Matatau

Morning tea for Van der Veer Volunteers

The Van der Veer Institute for Parkinson’s and Brain Research conducts research into a variety of neurological disorders and normal brain phenomena.

Our research involves people rather than Petri dishes. We are therefore entirely reliant upon people who volunteer themselves to be participants in our studies. We are fortunate to have a pool of several hundred people, both healthy controls and those with neurological disorders, who donate their time and efforts to us.

To show our appreciation, we are hosting a morning tea to recognise their willingness to take part in our research projects.

Van der Veer Institute building,
66 Stewart Street, Christchurch.
10.30 a.m., Wednesday 3rd December
(note, two days earlier than International Volunteer Day itself)

Car parking available at Hagley Community College, Stewart St entrance

Enquiries to Leslie
Ph (03) 3786 257

IVD at the Department of Correction

Department of Corrections will be using the occasion of International Volunteer Day to salute the contribution of the 3,000 or so community volunteers who regularly work in our prisons. We have launched our very first Volunteer Recognition Awards initiative. Across the country over the past few months we have been collecting nominations from Corrections staff for worthy recipients of these awards - both for individuals and teams - and the judging process is now complete.

Between 28 November and 5 December we will be holding a series of local ceremonies to present these awards. Two of the biggest events are planned in Wellington and Auckland. On the afternoon of 28 November, volunteers and staff from the Wellington prisons will attend a barbeque in the Chapel at Rimutaka Prison, during which the awards will be presented. On the evening of 2 December, volunteers and staff from the Auckland prisons will gather at the Alexandra Park Raceway to mark their awards.

The full list of ceremonies is as follows:

Northern Region

Auckland prisons - 2 December 2008 at Alexandra Park Raceway, Auckland
Northland Region Corrections Facility - 5 December 2008

Central Region

Hawke's Bay - to be arranged
Manawatu - 5 December 2008
New Plymouth - 5 December 2008
Tongariro/Rangipo - 5 December 2008
Waikeria - 3 December 2008
Wanganui - 28 November 2008

Southern Region

Wellington prisons - 28 November 2008
Christchurch Men's - 3 December 2008
Christchurch Women's - 3 December 2008
Otago Region Corrections Facility - 30 November 2008
Invercargill - to be arranged

Please contact Russell Underwood at russell.underwood@corrections.govt.nz or (04) 495 8428 if you would like any further information.

International Volunteer Day Breakfast

Volunteer Marlborough will be hosting a Breakfast at the Clubs of Marlborough at 8AM on December 5th to mark International Volunteer Day and to recognize the valuable contribution made by volunteers in our area.

All Organisations in Marlborough have been invited to nominate up to two volunteers who will be hosted at the Breakfast. The first, their longest serving volunteer and the second a youth volunteer if they have one. Mayor Sowman and local MP Colin King will be on hand to congratulate the volunteers for their time and effort and the Board of Volunteer Marlborough will present Appreciation certificates.

We are looking forward to a fantastic Breakfast and the opportunity to honor our local volunteers.

IVD Lunch in Porirua

Volunteer Porirua & Porirua City Council are inviting all community groups & volunteers to a lunch to celebrate International Volunteer Day. The event will take place on Friday 5 December 2008 from 12 noon to 1.30 pm at the Employment Hub Conference Room, 6 Hagley, Porirua.

Except of beeing a great opportunity to meet fellow volunteers and community activists, visitors will be able to talk to Joshua Briggs and Annette Woods
while enjoying a light lunch.

Joshua Briggs is known for his voluntary youth work in Porirua. He has recently been named a recipient of the Vodafone World of Difference Award. Joshua is a member of Porirua City Council’s Youth Advisory Group and Yxpress – a Porirua based youth magazine. He is also involved in various other voluntary projects. Joshua works at Evolve Youth Health Service in Wellington which is a social support centre run by and for young people who find themselves outside the mainstream.

Annette Woods is well known by many community organisations in her role as the Porirua Settlement Support Coordinator. Annette will talk about:
• What are the issues facing newcomers to New Zealand?
• How can we use effective ways of including people in our programme?
• What can we do to improve intercultural communications?

Community Picnic @ The Dell

In CELEBRATION of all Refugee Services VOLUNTEERS who help in so many ways Refuge Services Aotearoa New Zealand is organising a community picnic on 6 December at The Dell in Botanical Gardens in Wellington from 12.30 - 5pm.
Everyone is welcome; bring your families, your friends and your own picnic for lunch.
We’ll entertain you with games, music, lolly scramble, and other surprises.
And it will be a great opportunity to make new friends.

In the case of bad weather cancellation will be announced on Newstalk ZB (1035 AM Radio).

Internation Volunteer Day in Western Bay of Plenty

Invitations to all Volunteers registered and placed by Volunteer Western Bay of Plenty have been sent for an "Open Day" on Friday 5th December at The Village on 17th, Tauranga.
The programme is:
Morning Tea from 10am
Lunch from 12.15pm - 1.30pm
"Nibbles & Natter" from 3.45pm - 6.00pm
Registered Member Organisations have been advised and the Deputy Mayor Greg Brownless and Simon Bridges, MP for Tauranga hope to call by some time during the day.
A feature page will be published in the WeekEnd Sun on Friday 5th.

Youth Volunteer Awards

Volunteering Canterbury, in association with Te Runaka ki Otautahi o Kai Tahu, will mark International Volunteer Day by honouring young volunteers who have given their time and effort with the presentation of Yuoth Volunteer Awards. These will be at 7.00 p.m. in the Christchurch Bridge Club, Nova Place, on Friday 5 December.

This year eight Awards will be made. Guest speaker will be Helen Mahon-Stroud, Coach of the Canterbury Scope Tactix Netball team, who is a former NZ Women’s Rugby international. Helen will speak about her sporting experience and how volunteers contribute to sport. There will be entertainment from De Cristo, a jazz/funk/soul/reggae band, whose members are all students at CPIT Jazz School. Award citations will be read by two students from Selwyn House School, and the event will finish with light refreshments. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge.

At Home with Volunteer Wellington

Volunteer Wellington will be AT HOME on Friday 5 December - International Volunteer Day 2008 - from 11 am until 1 pm.

Everyone who is a volunteer, is interested in finding out more about volunteering or who is associated with the voluntary sector is welcome to call in to talk with us and find out more. We are at Community House 84 Willis Street Level 3. There will be food and a brew of coffee; and some volunteers who have worked with us this year will tell their stories. Volunteering New Zealand and the Deputy Mayor Ian McKinnon will be joining us, too.

Volunteer Hutt and Volunteer Porirua are holding forums to celebrate the value of volunteers. We will keep you posted as our plans develop.

Welcome to IVD 2008 blogspot

The International Volunteer Day is coming closer and Volunteering NZ is looking forward to celebrate it together with all of you.
Lets make our volunteers feel special and let everyone knows that they are!!!