20 Jun 2022

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Christchurch City Council is saluting all the volunteers across the district who are putting in the hard mahi for the benefit of their communities.

“We have an army of volunteers who work with our staff on everything from tree plantings to graffiti removal and we would be lost without them,’’ says Council Chief Executive Dawn Baxendale.

“It is appropriate that at the beginning of National Volunteer Week that I, on behalf of the city, thank them for the tremendous contribution they make to city life.

“We are so fortunate to have them working alongside us in our parks, the art gallery and our graffiti programme. We have volunteers helping us with recreational activities in the community and they play an intregral role in maintaining and promoting our Botanic Gardens.

“And volunteers are also key to our Civil Defence response in emergencies,’’ Mrs Baxendale says.

“When you speak to volunteers, they often talk about how much they get out of volunteering and the sense of community that is built when people get together and work for a common purpose.

 Many make life-long friends through volunteering and get a sense of wellbeing from being able to give back to their community and to their city,’’ Mrs Baxendale says.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has curtailed some of our volunteer programmes but things are starting to return to normal and it was wonderful to have the opportunity at the weekend to bring together some of the volunteers who work in our parks for a National Volunteer Week celebration.

“To all the other volunteers across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula who give their time and energy for the betterment of others and the environment, thank you. Volunteers are the backbone of every organisation in this city and we owe you all a debt of gratitude.

“Your contribution and your commitment does not go unnoticed. We greatly appreciate it and thank you for the countless ways you contribute,’’ Mrs Baxendale says.

19 to 25 June is National Volunteer Week. Find out how you can make a difference in your community by volunteering.