Alison Maynard - Camaraderie, Community, and Coffee

June 2025

Mosgiel’s Alison Maynard is a wonderful example of resilience and commitment to giving back to her community.

Two years after taking on the role of Volunteer South’s volunteer Deputy Treasurer she suffered a stroke. Alison says “I thought about giving it up for about a minute but then my doctor said to carry on because it’s so beneficial for my brain health.”

Alison has been in the role for 8 years now and she says “I’m so glad I carried on because I love that feeling of giving back to the community and I enjoy the camaraderie of working with the staff and other volunteers of Volunteer South.”

She manages to fit her volunteer role into a very busy life which includes doing another volunteer role, playing Mahjong and 500, her walking group, knitting rugs for rest homes and lots of coffee mornings.

Alison say’s “I love being at home. It’s my happy place and this role enables me to do it from home but I also feel very much part of Volunteer South. They are so welcoming and include me in things that are happening like huis and get togethers.”

Alison shows us that helping others is good medicine and that even in the face of significant challenges the volunteering spirit can remain strong and vital.

Written by Juliette Hicks