Celebrating Volunteer Superpowers | International Volunteer Day 2024

This year, the International Volunteer Day theme is ‘Volunteering: Something for Everyone’. We couldn't agree more and so we set out to prove it!

We believe that everyone has a superpower, a strength they can use to be a great volunteer. You might be tech savvy, a great cook, multilingual, a green thumb, a natural leader, good with kids, a charismatic host, have great attention to detail, or just love to have a chat! Whatever it is, your superpower can bring value to the community.

We asked you, What’s your Superpower? and we heard from some incredible individuals, and they had amazing stories to share!

Eleanor Dunn - pictured top left

Eleanor’s superpowers of adaptability and science communication have led her through an admirable volunteering journey.

Currently acting as Treasurer for the Student Volunteer Army Otago (SVA), Eleanor manages financial planning and resource allocation, as well as supporting the SVA’s initiatives to drive community-focused projects. This does not mark the beginning of her time with SVA, which started way back in 2021 as their Health and Safety Lead, ensuring volunteers’ safety and wellbeing during projects and events and promoting a secure and inclusive environment for all participants. She stepped into the Vice President role from November 2022-2023, taking on the coordination of large-scale volunteer events, fostering partnerships and leading a dynamic executive team to expand the SVA’s impact across Otago.

Eleanor is excited to be stepping into the role of President of the SVA in 2025. Her favourite thing about her volunteering experience is seeing students, particularly first-year students, building friendship and connections through the SVA’s projects. She loves that volunteering can create a welcoming environment where students can meet others who share their passion for making a difference, especially since starting university can be an overwhelming experience.

Kahu Youth Trust Committee - pictured bottom left

Joanna Lewis sang the praises of her committee at the Kahu Youth Trust, boasting their superpowers of organisation, styling, administration, Canva skills, food and beverage skills, networking and detailing.

They harnessed their incredible combination of skills to raise the money needed to complete the fit-out of the Kahu Youth Centre. Their efforts were well worth it, as they raised $61,000, and the Kahu Youth Centre is fitted out and looking amazing! Another volunteer initiative they lent their strengths to was the Forsyth Barr Winter Wonderland Ball, which was a fundraiser for Kahu Youth.

The rewarding feeling of accomplishment that comes from the results of their effort is one of the reasons why Joanna and her committee love volunteering.

Gloria Elaine McHutchon QSM - pictured right

Gloria Elaine McHutchon QSM's superpower is teaching English, which she does in her weekly classes for migrant workers. She also distributes welcome packs to newcomers and newborns through her work with Combined Churches and Rural Women.

However, her volunteer work does not stop there. Gloria belongs to 10(!) voluntary organisations, from Life Education Trust to RSA Women’s Section to West Otago Vintage Club, just to name a few.

Her other efforts include recording oral histories, helping migrants settle into new communities, improving the Tapanui West Otago area, and much more. Gloria’s favourite part of volunteering is the genuine delight and appreciation of her efforts by others. “I have so many stories of times when people have shown their appreciation of kindness given,” Gloria says.

Have a read of our latest newsletter here for some more highlights from 2024.

We want to thank volunteers across the Southern region for all their wonderful mahi this year, and we look forward to continuing to support volunteers find meaningful roles in the New Year!