Today (December 5) is International Volunteer Day, and Kaitūao o te Taitonga/Volunteer South is encouraging people to thank volunteers in their community and to consider volunteering and getting involved in solving problems for people and the planet.

Over the past year, many people helped others in generous, collaborative and innovative ways, Volunteer South’s Gillian White says, and while people are keen to gain a sense of purpose through volunteering, the organisation has seen available roles fluctuate with Covid restrictions so the challenge is harnessing the enthusiasm and skills of people coming forward.

Here is one volunteer’s story.

Imagine quitting your successful job in the US to travel the world with your Aussie husband, stopping in Wānaka for a season, falling in love and relocating here where you discover a much better work life balance, begin volunteering with a native plant nursery and enjoy an outdoor way of life…and then suddenly learning that you have breast cancer.

This is the scenario that Mary Jo (MJ) Muller faced, and unfortunately faced with just a small support network. Because her family was overseas, she was not aware of all the available local resources and she thought - being young - she’d be able to power through. 

Looking back, MJ realises she was mentally in shock from the diagnosis and although some support resources were shared with her, she said “all the information coming at you is like drinking from a fire hose and all you really hear is ‘you have cancer’.”

Upon completing her treatment, MJ was drawn to give back and the Relay for Life presented the perfect opportunity to get involved with the Cancer Society. 

“[I] got a team together, raised a heap of money, gave a speech at the Relay, met other folks there, and was introduced to a coffee group for Cancer Society clients, survivors and families,” she said.

It was there she met the team leader and was asked if she wanted to volunteer. By then she knew there were great people involved so she quickly responded: “Why not? Let’s do it.”

MJ’s first role was providing supportive care visits, which she continues to enjoy doing today.  Driving clients to appointments, stacking firewood, or simply being a companion are all ways this group of volunteers provides 1:1 support.

Given her deep empathy based on her own battle with cancer, MJ is acutely aware that “you can’t presume to know what anyone is going through on any given day as everyone’s experience is different. But there is an unspoken bond of just knowing there are bad days and better days.”

MJ knows from personal experience that simple things and individual smiles throughout the day add up and matter. She finds “satisfaction in making someone’s uncomfortable day at least a little bit smoother or easier”.

Looking to give more, she had a turn heading up Wānaka Daffodil Day and then raised her hand for a different role. Now as the volunteer lead for Wānaka, MJ organises volunteers to attend Cancer Society training, regularly matches new clients with supportive care volunteers based on specific needs, and visits with clients.

MJ’s advice to others considering volunteering is: “Do it. If you are in a position to give back, get involved in some capacity in some way.”

What if you don’t know how you would like to contribute? MJ has an answer for that too. “Go to Volunteer South. They have a fantastic survey and matching service that allows you to consider what type of work, how many hours you want to be involved, and how to pair your passions with the many opportunities available. There is something out there for everyone.”

MJ is keen for others to know what the Cancer Society can do to help them. She urges those with cancer and their family members to reach out and ask for assistance. Volunteers for the Cancer Society of New Zealand Hītori o te Kāhui Matepukupuku come from all walks of life, sharing a common commitment to reducing the impact of cancer. Learn more here.

If you’re unsure where you would like to contribute, Volunteer South can discuss your skills and goals for volunteering and help make the perfect match. See more roles online here.

Volunteer South is a charitable trust that engages and supports both tūao volunteers and volunteers involving organisations and community groups in the Southern region of Aotearoa New Zealand.

PHOTO: Supplied