Volunteer Van Drivers and Companion Shoppers Wanted
If you're interested in paying forward, here is an opportunity.
Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS) is seeking volunteer drivers and companions for its shopping shuttle.
Every Thursday, the shuttle takes people, who often live alone, and no longer drive, or cannot access other transport, to Botany Town Centre or Pakuranga Plaza for shopping and a cuppa.
"They have the chance to talk, ask questions, walk around, and they actually form friendships," says volunteer Maureen McKechnie.
Drivers are mainly responsible for arranging the times and routes for pick-ups and delivering the passengers safely.
"It's not a huge thing, but for those in need, it's really important and worthwhile."
Companions help clients get into and out of the vehicle and assist with seatbelts. They can also book a walker or scooter for passengers to use at the shopping centres if required.
Mellons Bay resident Nicki Patterson is one of the 22 drivers and companions.
"It's about giving back to the community," says Patterson. "I enjoy it.
"Though the seniors are out for just a couple of hours, it's a big thing for them, rather than having every day exactly the same.
"We tend to lose our identity as we grow older, and get overlooked. But during the trips, passengers are treated as individuals. They are recognised as who they are, and their personalities come out."
Funded by various parties, MECOSS expresses its appreciation for the support from the Howick Local Board.
Speaking of the challenges ahead, McKechnie says: "We must make sure we have drivers available to us, and also having passengers to take."
MECOSS is a not-for-profit organisation providing community support services.
People interested in being a driver and companion volunteer can phone Maureen on 0800 632 677.
Poll: Is it rude to take a full trolley to self-checkout?
Luckily self-checkout is being pretty common in supermarkets these days and we generally use it to quickly buy a few things without the long lines. But perhaps it's appropriate to head there with your full trolley to skip the lines?
What are your thoughts? Is that rude?
Share in the comments below if this has ever happened to you.
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52.3% Yes!
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44.2% Nah, it's okay
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3.6% Other - I'll share below!
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Q&A: Ask a question about...Online Safety
Continuing with Neighbourly's online Q&A with experts in their field, this week we are tackling online safety with Jandy Fiske from Netsafe.
Jandy Fiske has been with Netsafe for nearly 8 years. Starting on their helpline, she's now Netsafe's Community Engagement Advisor. Jandy says: 'I'm passionate about online safety because I strongly oppose bullying and want to support those affected by it.'
Jandy is passionate about protecting vulnerable communities and is promoting online safety to ensure no one falls prey to online scams. She can answer your questions about any type of online scams, and also about online harm such as online bullying.
↓ Ask your question below now and she'll be online on Wednesday, 11th September to reply to you ↓
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