Giving Tuesday Now

Volunteering Otago has not been spending the weeks of lockdown getting some rest in. The team, based in Dunedin, has been supporting the welfare needs of the Otago region working with District Councils and Civil Defence.

Volunteering Otago has been working closely with essential services and support agencies who have had to continue their services, despite being heavily reliant on volunteers – most of which are in the over 70 ‘at risk’ group. The Cancer Society in Otago and Southland has been one of these organisations, where they have been connected with Rotary groups across the region. They also been provided individual volunteers to get the Daffodil House ready to receive guests receiving cancer treatment at Dunedin Hospital. The partnership has proven valuable to both Volunteering Otago and Cancer Society.

Roles have included delivering essential supplies to vulnerable people, online shopping phone supporters; meal and firewood deliveries, as well supporting agencies like Neighbourhood Support, Plunket and Catholic Social Services.

Volunteering Otago is not government funded, and like all charities during this time, is heavily reliant on grants and donors. This #GivingTuesdayNow give to Volunteering Otago - we're here for the volunteer sector, in good times as well as challenging times.