Volunteering Otago

NATIONAL Volunteer Week celebrates the importance of volunteering in New Zealand and the goodwill of the people who give up their time for their community.

The theme for this year is: Volunteers, The Heart of our Community — By many, the work will be completed; Ma¯ tini, ma¯ mano, ka rapa te whai. The aim is to remind people of the central and inseparable role of people in keeping volunteering alive.

While the number of those involved in volunteering has increased over the past decade, the amount of hours worked has decreased. This means, now more than ever, the immensely positive impact of volunteering felt throughout our communities, the economy and the people themselves, needs to be highlighted.

According to Graham Copson, manager of Volunteering Otago, over 100 community organisations connected with 975 volunteers last year.

Volunteering Otago’s goal is to increase the capacity of community organisations that rely on volunteers by connecting them with people who are willing to offer their skills and energy. We provide training, advice, advocacy, resources and recognition for individuals and community organisations involved in volunteering.

Volunteering Otago knows that its volunteers gain personal fulfilment and support their communities through volunteering. They invite new volunteers to join them in strengthening the ‘‘heart of our community’’.