Volunteer appreciation
Things that make you go mmm…Mid-winter, Matariki and Marvellous volunteers.
That was the theme for a special thank you to CAB Helensville volunteers who enjoyed the new street food menu at our neighbour’s, IMAXX Indian Restaurant.
This timed well with the cool season and public holiday celebration as well as National Volunteer Week with its own theme of weaving the people together.
“We’re all juggling our own schedules and lives so it was great to catch up with most of our team who dedicate their time, effort and heart to our organisation,” says manager Rani Timoti.
Fun activities and games including visual word puzzles, musical mayhem and trivia around our theme warmed up the atmosphere before a delicious selection of tasters followed by a social catch-up.
Meanwhile, volunteers are looking forward to our CAB North Shore/Rodney AGM on August 22 where they also mix and mingle with volunteers and staff from our other six branches.
Nationally, reports on Emergency Response and Recovery as well as Maori Engagement have been completed with interesting developments.
On the coal face at Helensville since June, the main areas clients needed help with included budgeting and general financial difficulties along with rental housing and banking and financial services.
“Volunteers never know who will walk through the door, call from around NZ or contact us through email- but it’s always a learning curve,” says Rani. “On one busy Tuesday a volunteer experienced subjects ranging from tenancy and immigration to scams. Yet another volunteer on a Thursday guided two regular clients followed by tenancy, ACC and employment issues. You just can’t predict it- but our volunteers are ready for action.”
Last month’s Community Support Network Community Support Network Group drew a record 21 people with a special mention for Wiki Shepherd-Sinclair of Bowel Screening- Te Whatu Ora who is retiring to spend more time with whanau. “Wiki is one of COMSUP’s regular contributors who is always so positive, encouraging and inspiring to us all. Her last session with us involved showing us the latest videos cheering and motivating Kiwis to do their bowel screening- just proving how enthusiastic and committed she is in helping saving lives,” says Rani.
CAB Helensville is open from Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm or Saturday, 10am to noon. On Tuesdays we have our budget clinic and everyday there is a JP available on site or nearby.
Potential volunteers are always welcome. Contact details: Email: manager.helensville@cab.org.nz or phone 09 420 7162 or pop in to ask for an application at our office at 16 Commercial Rd, Helensville.