Mucking in – the volunteer way

By Angela Bensemann

Many organisations are finding it harder and harder to get volunteers.  Sports teams often struggle to find coaches and schools find it more and more difficult to interest parents in helping out with fundraising and fairs.

Those of you who are passionate about giving back may find a way to volunteer regardless of your circumstances but let’s face it – if you are working full time it is difficult to find the time to fit in yet another commitment.  It can also be hard to find the thing that really appeals to you.

You also need to be realistic, sometimes volunteering won't be fun. Part of the challenge is to find a role that suits your personality. Jane from WorksWonders once did a stint as a Kea Scout leader and no, she's not a born leader of small, noisy boys.

Sometimes it’s just a matter of persevering to find the right thing. 



Jane with the 2012 School Gala programmes.

Along with many parents of kids at primary school Jane and I have worked on the annual fundraiser – in this case the school gala, for a number of years.  Although at times we want to tear our hair out it is hugely rewarding to be involved in a project that directly benefits our own children. 

In the seven years we have been co-ordinating the publicity for our school the gala has raised well over $150,000 in total.

All this money has gone back to benefit our kids in the form of classroom furniture, redecoration, school landscaping, digital equipment and much more.  Strangely enough the money raised is only part of the benefit. 

Jane cleaning out dog bedrooms.

We’ve become part of the school community and you can’t put a price tag on that.  It’s been a great way to meet people, test out new ideas, see what works and doesn’t and to form stronger ties with the teachers and other parents.  It’s also great role modelling for kids to see their parents getting involved and giving them the chance to get involved too.

Jane has recently got involved with HUHA (helping you help animals) after a friend in our bookclub adopted an ex-testing beagle rehomed by HUHA. She's spent a day cleaning out and walking the dogs (payment in puppy licks). More recently she's spent time as a street collector with her son. Something she's found much more relaxing and fun than leading Kea Scouts.

The other organisation I’ve been involved in is SPELD Mana (now part of SPELD NZ).  I was on the committee for over two years supporting dyslexic children and their families to get the help they need so the children can reach their potential. 

My involvement drew on my professional skills but also gave me a chance to grow and extend myself giving public presentations and helping SPELD Mana to win the Porirua Business Excellence Award for Education 2011.

When you’re considering volunteering time is the most precious thing you can give to these organisations. At the end of the day although you might put in a lot of effort the rewards are huge. 

If you’d like to volunteer either here in NZ or further afield these plenty of organisations who’d love you help.  Check out http://www.vsa.org.nz/ for volunteering overseas or you could visit http://www.volunteernow.org.nz/jobs/ plug in your region and see what comes up in your local area.  If you're in Wellington check out http://www.volunteerwellington.org.nz/