National Volunteer Week 2018 - Resources
Want to promote National Volunteer Week? đ
We have loads of amazing resources on the NVW website, to help you run your own campaign! Check out the link for more details.
National Volunteer Week celebrates the 1.2 million Kiwis who volunteer in our communities every year. The theme for 2018: Volunteers, The Heart of our Community â By many, the work will be completed, MÄ tini, mÄ mano, ka rapa te whai, captures the essence of the volunteering spirit and the essential link between volunteers and the communities who benefit from their generosity. The event will run from June 17-23, 2018.
#NVW2018
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Hero
âI 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 couldnât be myself there. Even though my family didnât 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 couldnât 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. Itâs better when itâs 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, Iâve 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.â
- Hero
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......
Head for bed
Short on space? Why not make a slatted headboard finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash and incorporate shelves that can be moved into position as a side table between the slats.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.