Volunteering - the heart of community
In May, we welcome back the incomparable John D Wilson with his surrealist and 3-D art. John’s work is guaranteed to produce smiles, and a lot of them. His whimsical, mindboggling ‘moving’ pictures always elicit a very positive response from our visitors. If you have yet to experience the JDW-effect, come into the Old Library during May and see what I mean.
We have a very full calendar for the remainder of 2024 and take it as a vindication of our original concept of a community gallery and craft collective, that so many local – and some not so local – artists and artisans are keen to jump onto our bandwagon.
Our craft collective includes our volunteers’ own crafts, from repurposed bottles into lamps, painted rocks, patchwork cushions, knitted teddy bears, and not forgetting the beautiful work of the Ōmokoroa Menzshed.
The value of voluntary labour in NZ’s not-for-profits was estimated to be $4 billion in 2018, compared with $3.5 billion in 2013. We are incredibly indebted to our wonderful band of volunteers, without whom we would not exist. I love the quotation attributed to Audrey Hepburn that we are born with two hands; one to help ourselves and one to help others.
Volunteering at the Old Library is not onerous. You simply welcome our valued visitors, chat, answer questions (if you are able), pass on our enthusiasm for promoting our wonderful community and enjoy a cup of tea into the bargain. Set against more physical volunteering, such as weeding or pest control, TOLO is an absolute doddle.
The essence of community, its heart and soul, is the exchange of value; things we do and share because we care, and for the good of the place, its people and its history. We know we live in paradise, and we are not afraid to proclaim it. Ōmokoroa is a tapestry of so many good things and good people. The community spirit for which Ōmokoroa is famous depends on everyone just showing up and joining in.
The Old Library Ōmokoroa Gallery and Craft Collective is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm. Pop in and see us – we’d love to see you.