Volunteers benefit too
The impact of volunteering in the wider community is often highlighted but there is also a beneficial effect on the volunteers themselves.
Research shows there is a ‘‘helpers’ high’’ and other wellbeing markers for volunteers.
For Kenneth McLay, volunteering meant a chance for experiences he couldn’t find in the paid workforce.
Born with mild cerebral palsy, he was 18 when he started having epileptic seizures.
‘‘Getting work was always a hassle, with people willing to employ me until they found out I had epilepsy and I didn’t hear from them again.
‘‘Volunteering Canterbury helped me to get a volunteer role at Habitat for Humanity at Waltham Rd, which is a large second-hand warehouse where goods are constantly being donated,’’ he says.
At the warehouse, Kenneth prices goods and distributes them around the floor space.
Habitat for Humanity says without volunteers like Kenneth, their ReStores couldn’t function and the organisation wouldn’t be able to help so many families in need.
Kenneth now volunteers at Habitat for Humanity three days a week, and at Step Ahead twice a week.
He says being able to make connections through volunteering has made a huge difference to his mental health and wellbeing.
‘‘Through these two places I have met a great deal of people who I can get on very well with and am proud to be able to work with. My life has really changed.’’
Epilepsy New Zealand’s Anna Barker says Kenneth’s whole demeanour has changed since he started volunteering.
‘‘He is more outgoing, chatty and loves to share his passion for his new place of work,’’ she says.
‘‘He is loyal, hardworking and a great example of how somebody with epilepsy can succeed and prosper when they are given the same opportunity as everybody else.’’
Yes, volunteering changes lives.