Volunteer Story - Helen Kaveney

Why I Volunteer

I grew up with a dad who should have won gold in the “Volunteering Olympics.” He was always fundraising or lending a hand, in particular with the Baths and Civic Fund in Wainuiomata, which helped build the town’s Olympic swimming pool. Thanks to his efforts, generations of kids have perfected their cannonballs there.

Dad taught me that giving back isn’t just important, it’s part of who we are as a community. He passed away when I was in my early twenties, but his civic spirit has been my constant travel companion ever since.

Now that I’ve settled in Raumati, it feels like the right time to roll up my sleeves locally. I’ve joined the annual Foodbank drive, taken part in a Kāpiti Civil Defence exercise, and my next adventure is gift wrapping at Coastlands. (Fair warning: my wrapping style is more “creative interpretation” than “department store chic,” but I promise the tape will hold.)

For me, volunteering is about meeting people, sharing laughs, and helping out those whose circumstances differ from mine. My motto? It takes a village.