Looking for volunteers
With an increased demand for assistance in the community, Christian Lovelink is looking for more volunteers and donations.
The Napier-based Hawke’s Bay organisation helps those in need by delivering donations of household goods. Last year they helped 748 families in Napier and Hastings, with 2163 children receiving assistance. Administrator Ian Jones says they are fielding a lot more calls to furnish whole houses.
“There are two groups doing transition housing in the community.
“We have the basic essentials people need to set up a house.” Christian Lovelink accepts donations including beds, drawers, chairs, tables, linen and kitchen utensils, which are stored in their clearing house. The bulk of referrals come from 20 different agencies — the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board being the largest. Others include WINZ, the Napier Family Centre, Salvation Army and Women’s Refuge.
“We’re finding a lot of donors help us because our model is to give it out with no questions asked — hopefully we’re non-judgmental. The people we help have no other avenue to get that support.”
Ian says Christian Lovelink is always after donations to fill gaps in the clearing house, however, one of their biggest costs is disposing of rubbish.
“We take clean and tidy donations — we don’t do clothing.”
They are also always on the lookout for volunteers to fill a variety of roles including in administration and delivery. Ian says they also need people who have spare time and can lift furniture.
“Our way of operating is we show our love for anyone. You don’t have to have our beliefs. We will help anyone in the community.”
Christian Lovelink has built a good relationship with both the Napier City and Hastings District Councils, Ian says, and also acknowledges support from Scott Taylor from Taylor’s Furniture Napier Beds R Us.
Every trade-in Scott gets, he donates the bed to Christian Lovelink — between one and five a week.
“He’s a good one — an amazing guy,” Ian says.
Scott is carrying on the longheld family’s business philosophy of giving something back to the community.
“To me it’s a total charity,” Scott says.
■ For donations to be picked up or for offers of help phone 843 9803 or 027 532 2611.