Volunteer Stories: Jaime Borsboom and Julia & Damien Donovan: Lake Hawea Community Centre

Lake Hawea Community Centre is at the heart of its community and the volunteers who keep it running are the lifeblood.

These kind hearted people of all ages and stages enthusiastically undertake a variety of roles and contribute to ensure this community owned asset not only operates but thrives.

As the Lake Hawea community grows, new volunteers are particularly valued for their fresh energy and perspective.

Jaime Borsboom has been volunteering at the Centre since the beginning of the year.

“I’d been away from the community for a while and when I came back and knew this was my place I wanted to engage with the community in a meaningful way. I'd been to a lot of things at the Centre and had a huge respect for what was done there” she says.

Involved in food and beverage for events, she also runs the darts evenings.

Although she has a full life with her two children and her studies Jaime says “The Centre members are very kind and super flexible. You choose when and how you want to be involved so you can fit it into your life. I find it fun and sociable and the giving is uplifting.”

She says the Centre is extremely well run. “They put out regular communications about what is happening and there is a Community Meet and Greet evening once a month. Importantly most things are inexpensive and family friendly.”

It’s also an opportunity for people of all walks of life and ages to get together.

As Hawea is experiencing phenomenal growth new kinds of people are joining the community. Jaime says “Whether you are attending something there or volunteering it is a non-threatening way for people to be welcomed into this awesome community.”

Julia and Damien Donovan are also new community members who have loved being welcomed as volunteers. “We came from Christchurch a year ago, attended a Meet and Greet Evening at the Centre and were so inspired we basically signed up for everything,” laughs Julia.

They are busy people with full time jobs but the flexibility of the roles at the Centre mean they can still be involved in evening and weekend events. “So far we have been involved in general clean ups at the Centre and gardening. There's lots of ways to get involved," says Julia.

Damien says “Hawea is an increasingly younger community and a lot of people like us, are working from home. They can become invisible and anonymous. The Community Centre provides an opportunity for everyone to come out of their houses and connect.”

There are challenges for the Centre as the mix and size of the community changes. Damien says “Being community owned means we all have a vested interest in making sure it has the resources to remain relevant to the community’s changing demographic.”

Part of the Centre's mission to keep things fresh has involved the restructuring the executive committee and the appointment of new leaders. The important roles of Marketing and Social Media Coordinator and Sports Coordinator are still available and applicants with a mindset to carry the Centre into the future are welcomed.

Would our volunteers recommend volunteering at the Centre?

Julia and Damien say “The Lake Hawea community spirit is huge and volunteering at the Centre is an enjoyable way to be part of that and to do something for the greater good.”

Jaime says “I've met the nicest people through the Centre and been able to give something back. A few hours of volunteering are a small price to pay for the way it enriches our lives.”

For more information about volunteering at the Lake Hawea Community Centre contact: Sue Prattley, Tel: 021-1035 - 849, Email: bookings@lhcc.org.nz

Thinking of volunteering? At Volunteer South - Central Lakes, we can discuss your skills and goals for volunteering and help make the perfect match. For more information visit www.volunteersouth.org.nz

Volunteer South is a charitable trust that engages and supports both tūao volunteers and volunteers involving organisations and community groups in the Southern region of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Written by Juliette Hicks