Introducing our AMI Community Grant Finalists
This is day number four of showcasing two of our AMI Community Grant finalists to share a bit more about the great work that they're doing in Kiwi communities. You can help support these organisations by voting for them to win their share of $20,000.
Crimewatch (Chch) Inc
We patrol schools, parks and areas where the public frequently visit in Christchurch, helping to keep the public safe from crime. We are expanding our reach and our fleet of vehicles because we have the opportunity to run a lot more activities that help support the well being of the whole community. As we are a non-profit organisation we do require funding to pay for fuel and other vehicle expenses to keep our fleets running to an excellent standard. We really appreciate all donations. VOTE NOW!
AED Defibrillator for Churchill Park School
We need to buy an outside AED Defibrillator to put up at Churchill Park School. There are so many sport organisations that use the school and large numbers of walker, joggers and cyclists use the local park and surrounding streets so this is also a essential item not only for the school but the surrounding community. The cost to purchase this is around $3,500 and we would love AMI community Grants to help support this. VOTE NOW!
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Hero
“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.
I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially for the kids, so they do not have the same experience I had.
I studied software engineering in Iran and left in 2006. I went to Malaysia and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for seven years. I was admitted to Lincoln University to do my PhD here, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the expenses. I requested a scholarship, but they told me I had to be there for six months first. So, I stayed in Malaysia and did my PhD in network security. In December 2013, I came to New Zealand with a work visa.
It took me a while to connect with the Iranian community here. I volunteered with the Multicultural Council, SPCA, and community patrol, and I established the Christchurch Iranian Society in 2017. Before that, I started working on Radio Toranj, the only Farsi-language radio show in New Zealand.
One of the reasons I started organizing cultural events was to showcase Iranian culture. I wanted to show people that we have delicious food, colorful dresses, traditional customs, and our own instruments. My hope was to show people that we are not what you see in the media.
I am working to involve all the communities that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in the Nowruz festival in March 2025. We want to share this celebration not only with our community but with the public as well. It’s better when it’s shared.
I remember the first time someone from Dunedin called me and asked, Hero, can you help? Something happened, and they keep declining Iranian visa applications. When I heard that, I felt insulted. We are still human, so how can they do that?
Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. Every single day, people with different cases call me, and I try to share my knowledge and guide them as much as I can.
I have received several awards, including the Christchurch Civic Award and an Award of Recognition for my contributions to the community during the pandemic. In 2021, I established Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust. Through this charity, I can help other communities as well, not just the Iranian community.”
- Hero
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......
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