Volunteers are the lifeblood of Taupō’s
events and volunteering at them is a great way for clubs, groups and charities
to fundraise for a never-ending range of causes that need their help. It’s a
way of engaging communities in a mutually beneficial way.
Expresso
Rotary members have collectively worked more than 1000 hours at events in the
past year. That’s a big achievement for a small club.
“An
unexpected benefit is how volunteering has actively engaged our families and
gives us an opportunity to do something together,” says Expresso member, Lianne
Fraser. “What started out as roping everyone in when we were short of numbers
is now routine.”
Richard
Patterson and his daughter’s, Mickayla, Hayley and Britaney are the teenage
backbone at most Expresso volunteering events, turning up with big smiles and a
willingness not always associated with their age group.
“We
like that you help the community, meet new people and have fun,” they
say.
It’s
a sentiment echoed by many.
“I
started volunteering to help my parents but found that I really enjoy
interacting with the community, that sense of giving back and the feel good
factor."
“Oh,
and the high viz vest!” adds family volunteer, Jess Campbell.
The
rewards are many, and many event participants are openly grateful to volunteers
and their efforts, knowing that Taupō events would certainly suffer without
them. Cheer them on at Ironman.
Additional information
Expresso
Rotary meets every Wednesday at 6.45 - 8am, is involved in a range of community
projects and welcomes new members.