The 2nd day of Christmas

THE GIFT OF TIME

Sometimes the most valuable gift you can give is your time. For many people, Christmas is the loneliest time of year, but it doesn’t have to be. The summer hiatus provides the perfect opportunity to spend time with someone in need of company. This might be somebody you know – a grandparent, a neighbour, a friend who has been having a tough time. Alternatively, aged care providers need people to run craft sessions, read to residents and run singalongs. Some of the larger providers have formalised processes where you can go online to register – for example Selwyn Village is looking for parents wanting to get involved in their Baby Buddies programme, where they visit elderly residents with their babies and toddlers – or you can call your local care home and enquire directly. Volunteer websites carry listings from a range of organisations across NZ seeking people to share a chat and a cup of tea with seniors or take them on outings. Visit seekvolunteer.co.nz for a list of positions throughout NZ.