VOLUNTEER NEWS

Growing Vitality in a Volunteering Community

Hngongoi / Hereturikk July/August 2013 Issue 44
Hutia te rito o te harakeke Kei whea te kmako e k? K mai ki ahau He aha te mea nui o te Ao? Mku e k atu He tngata, he tngata, he tangata. If the heart of harakeke was removed, Where would the bellbird sing? If I was asked what is the most important thing in the world? I would say It is people, it is people, it is people.

Gisborne Volunteer Centre

Tena Koutou June was an exciting time in the volunteering community, during the month the Competencies for Managers of Volunteers was launched, followed by National Volunteer Week, Te Wiki Tao a Motu. We enjoyed a luncheon with our volunteers, ran a couple of workshops and generally promoted the week in the media. Our talented volunteer, Jane Putnam, designed a display for the library incorporating the theme He tangata, he tangata, he tangata and the whakatauk that supported it. We are fortunate to have wonderful, talented volunteers helping to provide our service, especially at present while Jane K is on leave. We really appreciate them coming in each week; they have fitted in well and each one has shared their unique skills. Welcome to the new volunteers and organisations who have become members during the last couple of months, we look forward to helping you with your volunteer needs. Nku i roto i ng mihi, n

Jenny
336 Palmerton Rd, Gisborne, Ph 8684522 ; email: [email protected] website: gisbornevolunteercentre.org.nz

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Jane Says, Here Grant you have a go,

Kia Ora Volunteer land. I trust everyone has been enjoying the cold weather. I like having a change of season as opposed to just hot and hot n wet, as it was in northern WA where Id been having a working adventure with my daughter. After having some opportunity to take time to settle back into Gissy, its time to get back into work mode. Apart from doing occasional reading at the library to children, I wasnt doing much else. So remembering Jenny at the Gisborne Volunteer Centre, what better a way to get back into the saddle than by giving my time to volunteering. As it happens, unfortunately, the luffly Jane was about to take time out, so Ive ended up keeping Janes seat warm along with Jane Two. Volunteering had always been in my family since I was a pre-schooler on the west coast, going out with mum for meals on wheels is my earliest memory of volunteering. Now sitting in the hot desk I am privileged to see so many people of such diverse and skilled backgrounds offering their time to help their community. Not just that there are wonderful volunteers registered with us, but so many organisations running on the goodwill and passion by even more volunteers who have an interest in making their community, their world, a safer and happier place. And what better a way to stave off the cold than by having a go and volunteering to warm the cockles of your heart. Have fun.

Grant Feel good volunteering.

I just wanted to share an outsiders experience of Gisborne Volunteering with you. I arrived in glorious Gisborne from the UK in mid March, pleased to escape the wettest UK year for 100 years! Knowing I wouldnt be able to work until my visa was sorted, I thought I would come to the volunteer centre to see what I could do. I was nervous having never done anything like this before. I didnt know what to expect. What I got was a warm welcome and I was laughing with Jane (the original) and Jenny after 5 minutes. They are so friendly. Over the next few weeks, I designed posters, fixed toys, sorted clothes, designed logos and planted trees. This was all great and kept me busy but what I hadnt realised was how many lovely people I would meet or the satisfaction that volunteering would give me. It was a funny feeling the first time I volunteered; our sense of purpose is so conditioned to receiving some kind of remuneration for our work. But the feeling was good and I realised that the volunteering was giving me far more self worth than money ever did. I was helping people and it was appreciated. A pure and simple exchange. So if you are a nervous about volunteeringdont be! There is a warm welcome waiting at the Gisborne Volunteer Centre and they will help you find something you are happy doing. I cant recommend it enough. Volunteering helps the world AND MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD!

Jane Putnam (Jane Two)

336 Palmerton Rd, Gisborne, Ph 8684522 ; email: [email protected] website: gisbornevolunteercentre.org.nz

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Community Notices
The Gisborne Toy Library
is having a winter puzzle special- For every toy you hire you can hire a puzzle for free. Membership and one free toy per family applies. We have heaps of puzzles suitable for all ages.

GVC Notices
Major Events for GVC this year
Annual General Meeting September International Volunteer Managers Day November 5th International Volunteer Day December 5th

The Gisborne East Coast Cancer Centre is searching for a Master and Miss Daffodil.
As part of the Cancer Societys major fundraiser this year they are holding a photo competition open to all children four (4) years and under as at 31 July 2013. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: 0 to 12 months, 12 to 24 months, 2 to 4 years. Entry is $5 and forms are available from the Gisborne East Coast Cancer Society, via email [email protected], at Kohanga, Preschools or Play centres or at Mitchells Fuji Image Service or Stephen Jones Photography. Going Digital - On 29 September 2013 The old analogue TV signal will be switched off on 29th September and you will need either Igloo or Freeview to watch TV, these can be used with a UHF aerial or Sky Satellite. Some new TVs have built in Freeview, but check where UHF is available, as north of Gisborne is satellite only. Targeted assistance packages available to people on selected benefits. If you believe you are eligible and have not received a letter phone 0800 838 800. For more information look online ww.goingdigital.co.nz
336 Palmerton Rd, Gisborne,

Want to network?
Put these dates in your diary Field Officers Meetings, Arohaina Centre for Seniors 2.pm. Tuesdays, 3rd September, 5th November Volunteer Coordinators Support Network Meetings - 11 o'clock Poverty Bay Caf 1st August, 27th August, 24th September, 29th October, 5th November

Volunteer Positions
Are you a handyman or woman who knows a bit about curtain hanging, we are looking for someone to sort out sets of curtain tracks and fittings. Volunteers needed to help at Baby Expo in November. This is a one day event and we are looking for volunteers to do a variety of tasks, including putting together gift bags and flyers, manning raffle tables, helping with set-up. Volunteers needed in September to host NZBlood Donors, serving refreshments , keeping area tidy and observing donors. If you are interested in any of these positions please contact Gisborne Volunteer Centre or to view all the current volunteer positions available go to: www.gisbornevolunteercentre.org.nz or Volunteernow.org.nz . Alternatively you can drop by and check the job board in our office or check us out on Facebook.
website: gisbornevolunteercentre.org.nz

Ph 8684522 ; email: [email protected]

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Spotlight on
Te Wherowhero Lagoon Community Planting Days
A community effort to restore native plants to Te Wherowhero Lagoon, re-establishing habitat for bird and estuary wildlife, as well as protecting the dunes, has been taking place over the last few months. School groups, community groups and individuals have joined together over the three planting days to help with this restoration project, reinstating the past and rejuvenating for the future. Planting went well this year, with over 4000 new seedlings in the ground. Planting will continue in 2014 and 2015. Thanks to each of you for getting out there and into it, and especially to those who've been out more than once. In addition to beautifying the area , you are also improving it for the South Island species of birds that overwinter here, like the nationally vulnerable Wrybill, that can be seen at low tides if you walk along the seaward side of the estuary. Watch out for the planting days in 2014 .

Rourou Programme The Information Basket

A series of workshops providing tools and information to support community organisations

Funding Information Days : 9.00-12.30 30th July RSA Ruatorea

and 10.30-6.00 31st July Ilminster School Hall

National Library Road Show "Te Herenga: Te Tai Rawhiti 2013

8-11th AugustUepohata Marae Ruatorea

Legal Issues for Volunteers & Community Organisations

Wednesday 7th August at the Red Cross Rooms. 9.30am11.30 am

Writing Media Articles

Tuesday 20th August at the Red Cross Rooms. 9.30am11.00am N t rourou, n taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi. With your resources and my resources, together we can thrive.

For further information about the workshops contact:

336 Palmerton Rd, Gisborne, Ph 8684522 ; email: [email protected] website: gisbornevolunteercentre.org.nz

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Our Mission is to: Strengthen our community by providing a climate that encourages volunteering Board Members Fleur Paenga Chairman Tim Marshall Deputy Chair Brian Cochrane Treasurer Dawn Gretton Secretary Stephanie LawYouth Representative Office Staff Jenny Greaves -Manager Jane Kibble Volunteer Coordinator Norman Fleming Raffle / Appeals Telephonist Flo Burns Office Support Jane Putnam- Office Support Grant MacDonaldOffice support Office hours: 9:00 2.00 pm Weekdays Street Address: Red Cross Building, 336 Palmerton Rd, Gisborne Postal Address: P O Box 105, Gisborne Phone 06 8684522 Email: [email protected] Website: gisbornevolunteercentre.org.nz

Gisborne Volunteer Centre thanks our Funders and Supporters:

The Clyde Graham Charitable Trust

Member of Volunteering NZ

Welcome to our new members Gisborne Concert Band Curtain Bank Gisborne Baby Expo NZ Blood Service
If you are a community organisation and would like to be a member of the Gisborne Volunteer Centre please contact us. We can help with your volunteer recruitment, training, promote your organisation and share information and resources.
Please let us know . If your details have changed. If you have changed your address, If you dont want to continue receiving our news letter Phone 8684522 or Email: [email protected] Thank you

Abercorn Charitable Trust (local Masonic Lodge)

Thank you for your donation towards upgrading our computers.

Happy Volunteering!
website: gisbornevolunteercentre.org.nz

336 Palmerton Rd, Gisborne,

Ph 8684522 ; email: [email protected]

The challenge in volunteering is not to aim at doing the things no one else has done, but to keep doing things everyone could do but most never will.

P O Box 105 GISBORNE 4040

Growing Vitality in a Volunteering Community

Core Functions of a Volunteer Centre

Raise the profile and promote volunteering Facilitate community connections Provide information, advice and support on volunteering Work with volunteering organisations to develop volunteering opportunities Promote and advocate for the interests of volunteers Work with organisations to develop volunteer opportunities Work with organisations to develop and maintain standards Promote management of volunteers as a profession Honour the Treaty of Waitangi