Sunday 3 February 2013

Get a skill and get a life with Volunteer Porirua



Laura Coates gets some real life experience with
Habitat for Humanity.  Photo: Andrew Finau.


By Lynne Harding, Manager of Volunteer Porirua

Hi I am Lynne Harding and I manage Volunteer Porirua. We have a range of exciting voluntary roles listed from over 80 local not-for-profit organisations. There is something listed for almost anyone including administration, childcare, elderly support, education, art, culture, environmental care and more. Our roles are available to both individual volunteers and for employer-based community volunteering projects.

Laura Coates: Photo Andrew Finau.
We have a team of highly skilled Volunteer Interviewers who enjoy the challenge of meeting people from all walks of life who come through our doors to volunteer. One such person is recent graduate Laura Coates – she contacted us when she found it difficult to get a job as an architect.

Laura discovered work experience in the industry was sparse so she  wanted to find a volunteering role in her field, so that she could gain work experience and confidence.

A good match for Laura was Habitat for Humanity who are providers of affordable houses for low-income families. Gill Burns, Habitat’s Operations Manager,  needed a series of architectural drawings to be completed.  This was fantastic timing for Laura. She had a project, a mission, a deadline – and was gaining on-the-job experience all the time.

These  projects add to Laura’s need for building and design experience. 
'When you're at university you never really design a house.  It's all about theory and technical aspects.  Working here with an organisation like Habitat you're getting an amazing overview which includes good, straightforward design – and being able to witness the families' joy.  You're seeing the difference these houses are making to a family's entire life.  The impact is astonishing.'



'Nothing will happen if you don't put yourself out there.  I thank Volunteer Porirua for giving me the opportunity to be involved in something I am passionate about.'   Laura Coates.




Some exciting new voluntary roles have been listed in 2013. They include: Communications Coordinator, Horse and Disabled Rider Helper, Literacy Tutor, Befriender, Museum Host, Hospital Guide, Music Leader, Organic Garden Helper and Mentor, Op Shop Helper, Refugee Support Worker and many, more roles.

If you want to find out more we would love to hear from you. Phone Volunteer Porirua   04 237 5355 – the office is open on Monday, Wedensday, Friday.
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