Wednesday, 13 March 2013

A cheer for the volunteers

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.