Thank you, volunteers!

National Volunteer Week (Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu) is June 18-24 this year, honouring the collective energies and mana of all volunteers in Aotearoa. They grow our people, open minds, open hearts and create joy.

The Team at Community Networks/LINK want to extend a huge thank you to all our volunteers - across the Foodbank; Community Gardens; Family Support Programme; JPs; Meals on Wheels; Wheels to Dunstan and Trustees – who give of their time to support this community. Our little team would be nothing without you!

This month, in honour of National Volunteer Week, we’ll be sharing a few stories from some of our volunteers. We’re currently searching for more volunteers to help operate the Foodbank, support local families with pre-school age children and deliver Meals on Wheels meals. Please get in touch if you’re interested in supporting the Upper Clutha’s one-stop community support and connection centre.

Jude – Meals on Wheels driver and JP

Jude is a long-standing volunteer Meals on Wheels driver and a JP for Community Networks/LINK. She’s also an ambassador for M!NT Charitable Trust.

Jude has volunteered with us since 2009 and values feeling connected to her community and giving back.

“You give as much as you can but receive so much more in return,” says Jude. “To make life easier, more comfortable, a little less stressful is a privilege.”

Jude enjoys helping others in whatever way she can – whether that’s making life easier for people needing documents certified or delivering meals to those who find it difficult to shop and cook for themselves.

“I want to take a smile and quick word to many who live on their own and can be lonely… My mum also delivered Meals on Wheels, and as a child I admired her for giving her time and love to others.”

“To be involved with a service that is driven by Community Networks/LINK is humbling,” says Jude. “It’s an amazing service giving so much to so many... I enjoy catching up with the front-line team whenever I’m there. They are very special people.”

Community Networks/LINK, your one-stop community support and connection centre.