Volunteering Canterbury

Operating since September 1988, Volunteering Canterbury supports informal and formal volunteering. Voluntary work is work done of one's own free will, unpaid, for the common good. Aroha ki te Takata a Rohe.

Support is given by:

• Recruiting, training and supporting volunteers to assist organisations and people in need.
• Providing information and resources
• Training and supporting organisations which involve volunteers
• Promoting the value of voluntary work
• Supporting and training Volunteer Managers/Coordinators
• Advocating for volunteers and voluntary organisations.

Objectives

1. To uphold the rights and responsibilities of volunteers
2. To recruit volunteers, educate them about voluntary work, and support them to assist not-for-profit organisations, charitable organisations, and people in need.
3. To provide and promote information and resources on volunteering
4. To provide training and support for organisations which involve volunteers
5. To increase awareness of the value of voluntary work, which is part of a wider definition of work
6. To promote cross cultural understanding where the unique role of tangata whenua is recognised
7. To operate efficiently and effectively as a model for other voluntary organisations.

All the above objects are for charitable purposes in New Zealand.

Supporters

Volunteering Canterbury depends on grants and members who pay an annual fee. Supporters include:

• Christchurch City Council
• Government Support for Volunteering Fund
• Canterbury Community Trust
• NZ Lottery Grants Board
• Community Organisation Grants Scheme
• Original Software Ltd
• Slipstream Computers

Staff

There are about twenty-five volunteer staff, board and committee members. There are three paid positions - a full time Manager, a part-time Employee Volunteering Programme Co-ordinator and a part-time Service Co-ordinator.

Vision

Supportive communities where voluntary work is understood, recognised and valued.

Mission

To promote, support, and uphold the integrity of voluntary work with commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Trust Board Members

• Jan Harrison (Chairperson)
• Gray Crawford (Vice Chairperson)
• Ann Jarman
• Linda Mace
• Warwick Hill
• Barry Baker
  (representing Te Runaka ki Otautahi o Kai Tahu)
• Memea Ma'aelopa
  (representing Pacific Peoples' Forum)
• Our Kaumatua is Aunty Kiwa Hutchen