Volunteer story: Local Red Cross shop volunteer
We recently got the chance to have a chat with another fabulous local volunteer! Here's Chetan's story of what he does as a volunteer Shop Assistant at the Red Cross Shop in Blenheim, and why he gives his time in this way:
• What do you do when you volunteer? The day starts with an update from our manager, Coral and then I make a quick round through the shop and plan a new theme for a day or start rearranging the shop. The manager and my companion Freda give an idea about what's going on in Blenheim. So based on the customer's mentality, we arrange the shop and displays. We try to make the shop as attractive as possible.
• What is your favorite part? Making a new theme of the week, interacting with the customers, and helping them to get the right product. Another favorite part is reading books from the shelf when we have a bit of spare time. It’s a charity shop so people usually donate good books; we have an amazing collection!
• Why did you start volunteering? I was jobless due to the COVID19 lockdown. I’m a science-focussed person and it's important to me to do something fruitful so I decided to do a volunteering job to keep myself busy.
• What do you do when you are not volunteering? I enjoy photography and reading books from the shop.
• What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting volunteering? Anyone, especially youngsters with ample available time, should do some volunteer job as it joins us to the community and also helps to understand the community. For me, volunteering helped me to better understand Kiwi culture as I am Indian.
• Is there anything else you would like to add? I think volunteering helps me to keep my mental health during this tough time and it is a good way to socialize. I’m thankful to get an opportunity to work with the Red Cross!
Chetan found his volunteer role at the Red Cross Shop as well as another volunteer role at Rural Youth and Adult Literacy Trust via our website. If you are feeling inspired by Chetan's story, you can check out all available roles by clicking the 'read more' button below.
Alternatively, call 03 577 9388, email vm@volunteermarlborough.org.nz, or book an appointment online via our main Facebook page.
Neighbourly Q&A: Consumer rights with CAB's Andrew Hubbard
What can you do if you buy something that breaks soon after you buy it? It's time for another helpful Q&A.
This week we have Andrew Hubbard from Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CABNZ) who will be answering your questions about your consumer rights.
A little bit about Andrew:
Dr Andrew Hubbard is deputy chief executive of Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CAB) and loves working for the CAB so much that he’s been there for more than fifteen years.
Andrew believes in the difference people can make working together in the community and loves being able to support the work of the more than 2000 CAB volunteers across the motu. Andrew’s background is in policy and he’s been actively involved in consumer issues for the fifteen years he’s been at the CAB.
Andrew and the CAB team are ready to answer your questions about your consumer rights. This might be questions about when you can get a refunds, your rights when buying via Facebook or overseas, product delivery issues and what to do if a retailer won't sort a problem out for you. Ask away!
Andrew will be here live on Wednesday at 9.30am, but go ahead, and add your question below now ⇩
From Antarctica to the Outback
For Rodnie and Bryan, retirement at Ryman’s Edmund Hillary Village is all about seizing every opportunity to explore. From trekking through Nepal and enduring the cold in Antarctica to immersing themselves in Aboriginal culture in the Australian Outback, their epic retirement proves that age is no barrier to discovery. Just as Sir Edmund Hillary pushed the limits of exploration, residents of his namesake village continue to chart their own extraordinary journeys.
“We’ll keep travelling for as long as we can,” says Rodnie.
Click read more for the full story.
Poll: Would you use a pet cemetery?
Dave Stephens has created a pet cemetery on his land.
The 10-acre site in Albany, Auckland, features graves nestled among beautifully manicured gardens and unique art pieces, offering a serene space where visitors can pay their respects in their own way.
Is a local pet cemetery something you think you would use? Share your thoughts below.
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31.2% Yes
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67.3% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
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