More Christmas parades and markets to come
It seemed like there was every person and their dog at New Plymouth’s Lions Christmas Parade on Saturday.
A lucky break in the shifty spring weather had a decent dry patch for the crowds to congregate without getting wet.
But if you missed the Christmas fun, don’t worry, as there are others to come.
The Stratford Christmas Parade will take over Broadway from 5.30pm on Friday, and on Saturday there is the Bell Block and District Lions Christmas parade and market day from 3pm at Bell Block Cres.
On Saturday, December 10, the Inglewood Lions Christmas parade kicks into gear at noon, with the parade starting from the railway yard.
Earlier that day, the Waitara Christmas parade will feature the same floats appearing at Inglewood from 10am.
Further south on the same day is the Hāwera Christmas Parade and Street Festival. This event is scheduled for 9am-2pm on Camberwell Rd, with the parade kicking off at 1pm.
On Friday, December 16, the Christmas spirit will be in the air at the Waitara Christmas Market at Whai Tapuwae nō rongo (Waitara Sports Hub) on Princess St, Clifton Park, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.
To finish off the parade season Opunake Christmas Parade is held on Saturday, December 24.
start? Do you have some time that you could offer a community group? Do you have a few hours a week or a fortnight or even a month? Do you just want to check out something without committing?
CAN YOU HELP? We have several organisations looking for people to help for various activities. It might be that they are looking for someone to help once a month for a couple of hours, or there are some oneoff events we would love to have you on our volunteer list to contact at short notice.
Benefits of volunteering:
Connects you to others – one of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity.
Is good for your mind and body – helps counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety. Can combat depression, increase confidence, and make you happy.
Can advance your career – you can try out a new career without making a long-term commitment
Brings fun and fulfillment to your life – this is an easy way to explore your interests and passions.
There are many roles that do not require specific skills prior to starting; in fact, the most valuable assets that you can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to pitch in and a positive attitude.
If you have thought of volunteering but were afraid to because you wanted to have flexibility to visit family, travel, study, or work, think about looking at bite-size volunteering – this is the way volunteering is evolving.
There is now also micro-volunteering – yes that is even smaller than bite-size and can be something like writing Christmas cards for the lonely or responding to a survey.
Do any of these sound like something that you would like to dip your toes into and look at? Or a little daunting, or an exciting opportunity?
If you would like to know more, please contact Wendy at Volunteering New Plymouth on (06) 7588-986, email admin@volunteeringnewplymouth.nz. or phone or text 022 571 4228.