Issue 11 – Summer 2019/20 New Kiwis catch the rugby bug

Ketaki Khare, in Canterbury founder of Samēkaha.

A group of eager new Kiwis in have had a thrilling introduction to Aotearoa’s national sport, made possible by AMI Insurance and new charity Samēkaha.

1 RED Good people doing good things On a crisp Saturday morning witnessed the game before, so It was as if everyone in October, 10 young former Ketaki Khare was on hand to refugees, alongside New explain the session to the group. had been bitten by the Zealand Red Cross staff and rugby bug! Ketaki is the founder of volunteers, headed to Orange Samēkaha, an organisation Theory Stadium to spend the day The rest of the day was spent which seeks to equip migrant immersed in all things rugby. learning the rules and history and refugee communities with of the game. Lessons included I didn’t know knowledge about rugby so that basic skill-building, kicking and they can build networks and passing. anything about rugby connections within the wider before the weekend,” Kiwi community. Furozan says: “We played a game of [ripper] rugby, which says attendee Furozan “I was incredibly passionate is a little different. It was a bit Hoseiny. “It’s a really about the idea of building and confusing and I wasn’t very cool game. bridging social capital through good, but I was trying!” the exchange of sport and Matt Little, from Canterbury The event was initiated and culture between communities Rugby Union, spoke to the organised by Samēkaha and in Aotearoa, which was the group about joining local clubs supported by AMI Insurance and driving force to come up with and the drafting process. Canterbury Rugby Union. Its aim Samēkaha,” Ketaki explains. was to introduce young people With the Captain’s Run Ketaki says running the who have recently arrived in complete, the group headed workshop was an incredible Aotearoa to the sport that makes down to the sideline to meet experience. “The magic was in Kiwis go just a little bit mad. the players. seeing the change of mindsets around the game and around The air was full of energy as “It was hilarious and heart- the idea of a ‘rugby player’,” participants filed off the bus warming to watch the says Ketaki. and headed into the stadium excitement on the faces of to kick off the day. First up, everyone after they got a The next day, the participants, the group had an exclusive hug and signatures from the including several young opportunity to watch the players,” says Red people who had arrived in Canterbury Rugby team’s top- Cross Settlement Youth Worker Christchurch just a few days secret Captain’s Run. Many of Elizabeth Magabbo, who earlier, were invited to attend a the young people had never coordinated the event. Ranfurly Shield match. “The highlight of the weekend was watching our team smash North Harbour 31 to 25,” says Elizabeth. “We’re really grateful to the AMI team in Christchurch for helping to make this event happen.” Furozan adds: My favourite part was when they scored a try at the game on Sunday. Everything was really perfect.

2 Sewing toge ther a family

Becoming a machinist for Elco Apparel in has been a life-changing experience for Manahel, who fled Syria with her three children five years ago. The job has been as much about joining a new family as picking up new sewing skills.

A low hum echoes across the living in Lebanon for nearly two Red Cross to help her find floor of Elco Apparel in Dunedin. years, the family was settled in employment. Everyone is focused on their Dunedin three years ago. Life Red Cross’ Pathways to work and the only sounds are in New Zealand, and work in Employment team in Dunedin of needles punching through Elco Apparel’s workroom, has and around the country work fabric, garments sliding across been life-changing for Manahel with former refugees like sewing tables, scissors slicing and her family. Manahel is Manahel to support them in material and occasionally soft emotional when she speaks their career path. When clients taps on foot pedals. about how her life has changed. are work-ready, the team The buzz of sewing machines It’s nice, safe, quiet actively looks for suitable jobs. was new to Manahel, but she’s and with many friendly This is how Manahel met Jane become very familiar with from Elco Apparel. the sound since she started people. Dunedin is such “We needed more machinists training as a machinist. It a nice city. I’m happy and unfortunately in New is a sound she has learnt to here, says Manahel Zealand, our industry hasn’t appreciate – one that reminds with a beautiful smile. been well supported. There’s her how safe she is in New not the industry-base there Zealand, away from the noise Initially Manahel focused on used to be for training,” of bombs in Syria. learning English, reaching an explains Jane. Manahel is a single mother impressive level in a short “We advertised and we didn’t who fled the war in Syria with amount of time. She then have a great deal of success. her three young children. After approached New Zealand

3 RED Good people doing good things So, we had conversations up the ins and outs of being a My children say that with Red Cross. They didn’t machinist very quickly. have any trained machinists this place is my family! Jane says: “It’s been available, but Manahel was outstanding, in more ways than Jane says the team has rallied suggested to us.” we could ever have imagined. around Manahel. Jane and her team were inspired She slotted immediately into “The March 15 attack had a by Nisa, a -based our team. She’s an amazing huge effect on Manahel, so ethical underwear company worker and has picked up skills [her colleagues] organised a which employs former refugees phenomenally quickly!” lovely lunch on the Saturday as seamstresses. Nisa was Tania, who works very closely at the garden with everyone’s started by a former Red Cross with Manahel, says she has families. They’re also helping refugee support volunteer. exceeded all expectations. with basic things at home, like Elco Apparel knew that because sorting her heating,” Jane says. “She’s learnt more than any a trained machinist was not other machinist in this short “She’s become an important available, they would have to amount of time. Everything part of the team here. Her smile train someone themselves. we’ve put into Manahel, we get is magical, and we hope she After meeting Manahel, tasting twice as much back,” says Tania. knows she’s got a long future her delicious home baking and here with us.” answering her many questions This is the first job Manahel about the machines, the team has ever had. In Syria she For her colleagues, Manahel knew she would be a great fit. maintained her home and is an inspiration. Her journey, supported her children. Finding attitude and warm personality The first time I came work in New Zealand has meant have deeply impacted the team. to the workshop, I becoming more independent. “I love working with Manahel was so surprised and “With this job, I feel like I am because she is so friendly, so wondered, ‘How am doing something good in life humble and she has so much I going to work with and my children are so happy. courage,” says Shirley, another these big machines? I They sometimes come to the of Manahel’s colleagues. have never seen these workshop and have a very “What I love the most about nice time here. They know all her is the fact that she’s come before!’, says Manahel. the team and the team knows here, and she just gets on with them. Today, my son cried Despite having to learn how to it and does it so well. Talking because he wanted to come use the machines and a whole about her courage makes me to the workshop with me,” new vocabulary specific to cry because there is no way I Manahel laughs. sewing, Manahel has picked am anything like that. That’s what I admire in her.”

Manahel with the team from Elco Apparel

4 From stockroom to storefront

Find out more about our Red Cross Shops on our website: redcross. org.nz/shop- with-us/

5 RED Good people doing good things When you walk and sort out what we need and to gain customer service skills what we don’t need. The good and retail experience. into a Red Cross quality stuff gets cleaned up “We have great teamwork and ready for pricing.” Shop, you’ll here. While we’re working, we find quality pre- For many of the volunteers here, do have a lot of fun. I also enjoy this is their first experience the community service we loved clothing, working in a Red Cross Shop. are doing.” They will all learn a wide range furniture and Shop coordinator Justine of skills. other household has worked in several Red Sunita will soon be behind Cross Shops before and, like items. But have the counter learning about her team, has followed the you ever stopped customer service. same path from stockroom to storefront to manager. to wonder “It’s a good experience for me how the whole to meet people,” Sunita says with a grin. We’ve got a good operation works? Tina, who also volunteers at team. They’ve all just Step inside the Onehunga store, really started and they’re just Onehunga’s new enjoys the social aspect of straight into it. volunteering. Red Cross Super “I do all sorts of bits and Justine plays a big part in Store to find out. pieces,” Tina explains. “I enjoy supporting new volunteers as the time away from home and they develop their skills. Located in the busy meeting people. I enjoy helping “I’m all about utilising the best Auckland suburb of the community.” skills that any volunteer can Onehunga, our newest Behind the counter, Dipa is bring to their role and helping Red Cross Super Store putting her service skills to them to further themselves in opened in October. It’s a good use, helping a customer that role,” Justine explains. large shop, with plenty who’s looking to purchase a “We’re here to have fun. of room for stock and lounge suite displayed in the Because when you’re having a big sorting room for shop window. fun the customers are having donations. Dipa first started volunteering fun. It’s the key to customer With new stock arriving at the Dominion Road shop service. People love to come up to three times daily, it eight months ago. She’s now into a happy shop.” takes effort to sort through taken on her first paid role as Justine’s philosophy has clearly donations. Sunita has a retail assistant. rubbed off on her team, who worked in the stock room all bring an infectious energy since the shop opened. “I enjoy interacting with people. That’s the way you to the store. It’s a fun place to work and to shop. I love the people I understand them,” Dipa says. “You want your customers to The support from the Onehunga work with. I enjoy it come back again. It’s important community is amazing. and I like helping, to understand exactly what “We really do get some says Sunita. they need, what they want to buy from your stores.” marvelous donations which shows the generosity of the “I get all the donations Dipa says volunteering is a great community. It’s about the ready and put them aside experience for anyone looking community,” Justine says.

6 Emergency tips on wheels During Good and Ready week in October, Muriel has recently celebrated her 94th birthday. She’s been Meals on Wheels was adapted to help receiving Meals on Wheels for Hamiltonians prepare for future disasters. such a long time that she can’t recall when it all started, but ‘Tips on Wheels’ were delivered to Hamilton’s she remembers her doctor elderly community along with their meals. recommended the service to her. She lives on her own and has few interactions with people during the day. Muriel’s story is one of many which inspired Monica Bearlsey, New Zealand Red Cross’ Community Activator in Waikato, to think outside of the lunchbox in planning for New Zealand Red Cross’ national emergency preparedness campaign, Good and Ready. Elderly are some of the most vulnerable people in our community. People are often on their own, which means they could be isolated in a disaster, explains Monica.

7 RED Good people doing good things 94 year old Meals on Wheels recipient Muriel

That’s why Monica organised a Every year, our volunteers next time they come to visit. week of emergency tips, aimed deliver more than 600,000 “We wanted to make sure at ensuring elderly people meals. That is nearly 12,000 that they are prepared, that are prepared for a disaster. meals a week! their family members and Good and Ready brochures “It would be hard without Meals neighbours are prepared. We with tips on stocking canned on Wheels. I’m very grateful to want it to have a roll-on effect,” food and water, fixing shelving get them. I eat them while they says Monica. correctly and connecting with are hot. I like the volunteers neighbours were distributed The innovative idea was also too,” explains Muriel. to Meals on Wheels recipients aimed at getting Meals on along with their hot meal. Wheels drivers good and ready It’s nice to have the for a disaster. Our Meals on Wheels service volunteers come over has a long history of doing “Our volunteer drivers were good in Aotearoa – it’s one of – they are very friendly hesitant at first, but then they New Zealand Red Cross’ oldest people. That’s what we warmed up to the idea and services. The very first Meals need, being friendly to asked for extra resources. It’s on Wheels delivery goes back to important that our drivers are 1951, when Red Cross volunteers one another. It’s often ready too, so they can help distributed soup for people the same people, so I their community when there is in need during a gas, coal and recognise most of them. a disaster.” electricity shortage in North It’s very good. They’re Canterbury. doing a good job. Fast-forward almost 70 years, FIND OUT MORE and you’ll find Red Cross Muriel was pleased with the volunteer drivers dropping Good and Ready resources she about how you can be good off hot meals prepared by the received, and says she wants and ready at redcross. District Health Board to people to make sure her children and org.nz/good-and-ready in need across the country. grandchildren see them the

8 For the enjoyment of the community At the front door Purchased in 1970 following a activities, the decision was fundraising drive by Waiheke an easy one. Oneroa Accident of New Zealand Branch’s founding members, & Medical Centre is based at Red Cross’ Waiheke the building is in use just the same location and the about every day of the week. building’s central location has Branch, which is There is a Red Cross Shop on helped maintain Waiheke’s a former village the ground floor and rooms strong membership base and on the first floor that provide active role in the community. cinema, you will find a meeting place for not only Duncan Quin, the building’s the Branch but several other a plaque engraved custodian, has spent time community groups. with a simple motto: volunteering at the Red “We had about 2,000 residents Cross Shop, which is run by ‘This building is for on the island then. We did a 15 volunteers and stocked the enjoyment of the fundraiser and we bought the with donations from Waiheke people of Waiheke.’ building,” explains Branch residents. President Laurie Leonard, Over the years Duncan has who’s been involved with New worked behind the counter, The small suburb of Oneroa Zealand Red Cross for 21 years. is home to New Zealand Red picked up donated goods, Cross’ Waiheke Branch, a The cinema had been closed delivered Meals on Wheels and much-loved community hub for several years and with the helped upkeep the building. that embodies this statement. Waiheke Branch needing a He’s a popular figure in this home for meetings and other small community. Duncan is

9 RED Good people doing good things proud of his 26 years of work doing something useful for building can operate. There’s with Red Cross and equally somebody else.” also plenty of water, blankets proud of what the Branch has and emergency supplies stored Delivering Meals on Wheels achieved. away. was Laurie’s first taste of In the meeting room upstairs, volunteering with Red Cross, “If we have a power cut, the several badges and certificates and 21 years later she still does generator kicks in and keeps are displayed, including a a run every Friday. the medical centre going,” says medal from King George V. Duncan. There are also many photos of I love it. So many If you’re ever visiting Waiheke, members, past and present, people say, “What can pop in and say hello to Duncan adorning the walls throughout Red Cross do for me?” and Laurie. You’ll hear stories the two large rooms. Duncan about local legends like old not only knows every single But it’s not that for me. man Archer or John Wray the one of them, but each of their It’s what can I do for shipbuilder. It’s also likely that stories as well. Red Cross. you’ll be inspired by these The room is used by several characters and their incredible Waiheke may be a small community groups. efforts as humanitarians. community, but the Branch “Monday we’ve got Scottish has always contributed to the New Zealand Red Cross country dancing and yoga. work New Zealand Red Cross branches are active throughout Tuesday we’ve got indoor does in Aotearoa and around Aotearoa. They are a great bowls. On Thursdays a scrabble the world. In just one example, place to connect with your group comes up, and then the Branch gave $10,000 to the community, volunteer and there is yoga again on Thursday Philippines Disaster Relief Fund fundraise for Red Cross nights,” explains Duncan. after Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. activities. “I like the feeling that if I’m The Branch is also well doing this on a voluntary basis prepared to support the MORE INFO I’m also giving back to the community in an emergency. community, but also getting The building is fitted with a Find your nearest branch to know the community. It generator, which means that here: redcross.org.nz/ just makes me feel like I’m even if the power goes out the contact-us/branches/

Branch President Laurie Leonard sits under a photo of Branch founder Joan Bolton

Duncan Quin with photos of Waiheke Branch members

10 CYCLONE SEASON

in the pacific: Preparing for the unpredictable

Cyclone season may officially take place from 1 November to 30 April, but preparation for months of unpredictable storm systems with the potential for widespread damage takes place throughout the year. Disaster responders managers and our disaster for needs assessments,” reflects get trained up responders in the Pacific to Tusialofa Finikaso, a disaster be able to support the Pacific management officer for Tuvalu Heads are huddled around a Islands when they go through Red Cross. “Now we have had map of the Pacific as a group of a disaster or are responding this training in community skilled Red Cross people discuss to a hazard event,” explains engagement and accountability, their response to a fictional Lemau Afamasaga, International we have recognised that cyclone that has recently struck a Federation of Red Cross and Red community members are remote island off the coast of Fiji. Crescent Societies (IFRC) disaster important stakeholders in this The group participated in the preparedness and operations assessment, and we need to first Regional Disaster Response manager in the Pacific. consult them.” Team (RDRT) training in the The training included assessing For many participants, the Pacific.Representatives from the needs of a community training has provided skills and Red Cross societies in Tuvalu, affected by a disaster, learning knowledge that they will share Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, how to best use Red Cross and with their communities at home. Kiribati and Aotearoa took Red Crescent Movement tools Vanuatu Red Cross Disaster part in the week of intensive and discussing how to work Management Officer Linda training in Levin. with affected communities as Peters, who took part in the they recover. “We are upskilling our disaster training, says: The group also worked in When I get back, myself teams to create a response and my colleague will plan, a budget, a fundraising organise a training for our appeal report and a needs assessment. Learning to use youth volunteers. We will Movement tools will enable share this knowledge with these RDRT members to work our other colleagues and seamlessly alongside National volunteers to ensure that Societies around the world. all of us are better prepared for disasters in the future. “Prior to this training we would only go out into the community A RDRT comprises of Red

11 RED Good people doing good things Tricia, who is based in Suva, works closely with Pacific members in the Pacific means National Societies to help them Cross or Red Crescent Society that help can reach people incorporate these actions into volunteers or staff. They are affected by cyclones and other their planning. trained to work as a team and disasters as soon as possible. bring assistance to National By pre-empting, preparing and Societies in neighbouring Climate concerns pre-positioning relief items, countries. They are made up local communities affected of a core group of people with Part of cyclone season by a cyclone can respond and cross-sectoral expertise, such preparation includes supporting recover more effectively. Early as health, logistics, water and National Societies in the warning and action measures sanitation, as well as generalist Pacific, which is where Olivia are not just a good idea, they humanitarian workers. Warrick and her colleague Tricia can save lives. Wilden come in. They are New Lemau says this training is Zealand Red Cross international Goodwill in the landfill an important part of building delegates seconded to IFRC’s The goodwill of Kiwis who Pacific response capacity. Climate Centre. Their role is want to help people affected “The idea was to host this to ensure that climate isn’t an by a disaster can end up in the training in the Pacific and build afterthought. landfill. That’s why we say that more expertise in the Pacific, “With everything we do with cash is best. so that they can respond when climate, we don’t like to Collecting, storing and there is a disaster happening approach it as a separate thing shipping donated goods takes and when help is needed,” like disaster risk management time and can clog up ports Lemau says. or health,” explains Olivia. or logistic chains, meaning These RDRT members will be Climate is something that relief items take longer to ready to deploy within 24 to 48 that cuts across all those reach people in need. We also hours to support neighbouring areas, so we try to integrate know that an effective way to National Societies responding activities across all of that. aid recovery is by restoring to a disaster in the Pacific. livelihoods and local economic A key way that climate activity, which is why cash The training, funded by the considerations are integrated grants can be extremely useful. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and into other aspects of Red Cross Cash promotes independence Trade and supported by IFRC, work is through early warning and recognises the capacity of is part of New Zealand Red and early action. This is, as affected communities to make Cross’ ongoing work to support Olivia describes, about asking decisions. and build capacity within “what actions we should take Pacific National Societies. and how we should resource You can donate to our This training is timely, with those before the event actually Pacific Disaster Fund here: cyclone season just around the happens, rather than just redcross.org.nz/donate corner. Having trained RDRT waiting to respond.”

12 Snippets from the regions New Zealand Red Cross people are doing amazing work all over Waikato/Bay of Plenty Aotearoa. Check out what’s been The rollout of the Good and happening in the regions. Ready project in Bay of Plenty was officially announced by National President Kerry Nickels in Tauranga at an end of year event, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for members eager to be involved in community resilience and disaster preparedness. The event included hearing from Tauranga DWST and Katikati’s Community Relief Team (CRT) to help members get a better understanding of the role these teams play in emergency Auckland/Northland response. The Hamilton Service Centre Our Whangarei Disaster thanked volunteers for their Welfare and Support Team amazing work at an event in (DWST) members and volunteers attended a noho November. “The volunteer Humanitarian Development marae, strengthening existing event was a great success! staff were involved in two networks at Paratene Te Manu- We had volunteers from Good and Ready events in Ngunguru Marae during the a number of programmes October. An event organised by weekend of activities. in attendance,” says Jenna community group Finding the In late September, Auckland’s Wetere, Humanitarian New Generation displayed Red Pathways to Settlement team Development Engagement Cross’ emergency response co-hosted a dinner in Otara. Manager. Delicious catering was equipment. The next day a Young people from local provided by families who had similar event took place at schools, youth leaders and been supported by Red Cross in Whangarei Youth Space where Red Cross staff attended the the past and there were prizes local students discussed how event. The theme was ‘Creating donated by local companies to connect, care and prepare. a Community where everyone who wanted to recognise the In November staff and feels that they belong.’ amazing work of volunteers.

13 RED Good people doing good things Taranaki/Manawatu Coastal Taranaki School in Okato have presented a Buddy Bench to Rahotu Primary School, with the support of their local New Zealand Red Cross Service Centre and the Taranaki Branch. The Buddy Bench is an outdoor seat that promotes social inclusion within the school community. The Taranaki Branch funded the building materials East Coast/Wairarapa and are excited to support this youth initiative. The Curtain Bank in Hawke’s Bay by selling knitwear, pet-themed In Palmerston North, staff held held a morning tea in November door stoppers, dog collars, pet an end of year event to thank to acknowledge Janice Zachan beds and artwork. volunteers. Nearly 150 people as she steps down as coordinator attended, including staff and after 11 years. Area Councillor The Wairarapa Branch is ready members from Migration, Retail Bonnie Plested will take up the to support the community of and the Palmerston North role and Janice will continue Masterton, alongside Connected Book Sale. Shaun Greaves, to volunteer at the Curtain Communities Wairarapa, when General Manager Humanitarian Bank. The event also marked Masterton becomes a new Development, Angela Calkin- the launch of a book outlining settlement location in 2020. Goeres, General Manager the Curtain Bank’s history. Wairarapa Service Centre and Fundraising, Marketing, Since its inception in 2008, the the Branch already work with Communications (Acting) and Hawke’s Bay Curtain Bank has Connecting Communities on Jamuna Rotstein, Disaster provided over 14,500 curtains the WeConnect programme, Readiness and Resilience to over 1,460 homes. All this welcoming and assisting people Manager spoke at the event. work is achieved by a team of new to the region. Members and There were also presentations 17 volunteers. staff also organised a stall at the recent Clareville A&P show to from the DWST and local Hastings Service Centre also encourage new members to get Migration team. Everyone hosted a fabulous Mistletoe involved and provide information enjoyed making connections Market in November. Red Cross around what it means to be a and discussing their work with members showed their support settlement location. Red Cross.

14 Nelson/Marlborough In early November, Jesse Bisch, Humanitarian Development Engagement Manager, worked with children attending Clued Canterbury/West Coast Up Kids, a multi-agency Wellington programme that teaches Our team set up a ‘safety children confidence and life Wellington Service Centre, village’ at the Ashburton A&P skills. Activities included in partnership with the Show in early November. This practising what to do during an Wellington Area Council, held was supported by staff from earthquake. The children also an International Volunteer across New Zealand Red Cross learned water safety, interacting Day event in November. The as well as DWST members with dogs and road safety. afternoon tea event was helping at the event. The space to thank volunteers from Dedicated Red Cross also provided an opportunity across the Wellington region, volunteers recently gave their to connect with other agencies including members, event time to transfer household in the community. volunteers, DWST volunteers, donations for former refugees Our team in joined refugee support volunteers into a smaller storage unit. Aoraki Migrant Centre to host and shop volunteers. It A team of special-purpose a shared meal at the Timaru provided a fun way to thank volunteers regularly assist with Service Centre. The aim of the our volunteers for all their the preparation of donated event was to connect people hard work, while celebrating household goods throughout within the local community, International Volunteer Day. the year. including recent arrivals and

15 RED Good people doing good things Otago/Southland In Dunedin, graduates of the has been recognised for 16 years Open Road driver training of service. Congratulations, people from all backgrounds. programme celebrated their Winifred! In Christchurch, several local success at an event organised staff and members met the by the Service Centre. Twenty- New Zealand Red Cross’ Young Prince of Wales and Duchess of seven clients graduated, with Humanitarians programme Cornwall as they paid their 17 achieving their full licence. took place in Invercargill in respects to community members Thirteen mentors worked with September. Designed for young who responded to the March the graduates, some taking on people aged 9-13, activities 15 attack. After speaking two learners at one time. included an introduction to Red Cross, a presentation to help officially, Prince Charles took The Dunedin Service Centre is youth understand the refugee time to meet with individuals also conducting a gardening journey, learning basic first aid affected, expressing his sadness tools drive to equip former and disaster preparedness, at events.In Kaikoura, the refugee families to grow their a Meals on Wheels delivery Duchess and Prince also met own vegetables. with the first responders of the and a visit to Peacehaven Rest November 2016 earthquake, Winifred Harrex, a member of Home. A barbecue was held to including our own staff, DWST Mosgiel Branch and Meals on celebrate what everyone had and members. Wheels volunteer coordinator, learned together.

16 SWITZERLAND

IRAQ AFGHANISTAN WHERE In BANGLADESH MYANMAR

THE WORLD KENYA INDONESIA are our TIMOR LESTE SOLOMON ISLANDS VANUATU SAMOA international FIJI Delegates?

member Spotlight

Thousands of dedicated Kiwis make up our New Zealand Red Cross whānau. DWST member Lynne Drake of Wairarapa is one of them. She talks about her work with Red Cross.

I come along to a training here. Training has changed a session where the team rescued lot over the years. New learning and carried her down the stairs opportunities are happening in a stretcher. A month after every year. that I travelled to Hawke’s What does being a DWST What is your favourite part Bay for an amazing weekend member involve? about being a Red Cross learning ground-based rescue member? Being a DWST member involves techniques. I was hooked! a few hours a fortnight to My favourite part is knowing What do you know now that train with a dedicated team that we have made a difference you didn’t when you started of friends. We also attend in people’s lives. Receiving hugs volunteering? fantastic training weekends from people you have assisted annually somewhere in the I have learnt so much, where is a tremendous high point. North Island with other DWSTs. do I even start? Everything Being a volunteer for Red We can be deployed to local or from ground-based rescue, Cross is incredibly rewarding. national disasters at any time, psychosocial support, first aid, I suppose we are making so you need to be ready to go. radio communications, outreach memories for ourselves and and helping people get through What inspired you to begin those we assist. a disaster. Learning to be a volunteering? trainer has been fantastic, it In 2002 a friend suggested that keeps me focused on why I am

17 RED Good people doing good things Give your unwanted goods a new home Recently undertaken a late bout of spring cleaning? Desperate to make red cross room for new furniture? Keen to find a new home for those less-than- perfect Christmas gifts? Head to shops your local Red Cross Shop! donate your Our amazing staff and volunteers preloved goods bring pre-loved items back to life, help to restore furniture, sort donations, mend clothing and make our shops look incredible. They’re always looking for good quality clothing, homeware, electric items and furniture, plus you can often organise free pick-ups. You never know, there might be someone out there who really needs your unloved items. Better still, once your donations are sold, the funds go towards helping vulnerable people here in Aotearoa and around the world. Head to redcross.org.nz/ red-cross-shops to find your nearest store.

Who are we? Our Get involved Volunteer with us New Zealand Red Cross is part Fundamental of the largest humanitarian Principles Learn first aid network in the world – the ɠ International Red Cross Red Humanity Donate Crescent Movement. We’ve ɠ Impartiality been helping in New Zealand ɠ Neutrality Leave a lasting gift in your will since 1915. ɠ Independence Fundraise to help others Every day, we work to help ɠ Voluntary Service Join today at Kiwis – whether that’s ɠ Unity redcross.org.nz/get-involved providing a hot meal, offering ɠ Universality a safe ride to hospital or helping Join the conversation Read more about them at former refugees rebuild their Follow us on Facebook, redcross.org.nz/about-us/ lives. We also help communities Twitter and Instagram for all what-we-stand-for affected by disaster and conflict the latest New Zealand Red right across the world. As Cross news and updates. we often say, disasters don’t discriminate and neither do we. NewZealandRedCross @NZRedCross nzredcross

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