Volunteer Voices: "It offers a different metric. A currency of compassion, generosity, selflessness"

In the tranquil embrace of New Zealand's Wakatipu forest, amidst the rustle of leaves and the whisper of wind, there lies a tale of community, growth, and the profound impact of volunteering.

My journey began with a desire to give back, to nurture the very earth that cradled my existence. With ample time at my disposal and a heart brimming with passion for nature, I embarked on a path of purposeful action, joining hands with the Wakatipu reforestation project. Planting trees, repotting plants—the rhythm of my hands in harmony with the pulse of the land. But it was not merely the act of planting that stirred my soul; it was the connections forged along the way. In the embrace of fellow volunteers, I found my community, a tribe bound not by blood but by a shared reverence for the environment. Together, we cultivated a sense of belonging, rooted deep in the soil of camaraderie and shared purpose.

As I delved deeper into the folds of volunteerism, I discovered a truth both simple and profound: that my natural gifts need not be confined to the realms of employment. Through giving my time, energy, and skills, I received something far greater in return - the warmth of human connection, the satisfaction of making a difference.

In a world that often measures worth by productivity, volunteering offered a different metric - a currency of compassion, of generosity, of selflessness. Each session, each endeavour, became a testament to the collective power of kindness, a reminder that, in the act of giving, one receives abundantly in return.

Amidst the tapestry of my volunteer experiences, one moment shines bright - a beacon of joy amidst the mundane. It was the year 2022, a time of uncertainty and renewal. Volunteering for The Kiwi Kit Community Trust, I helped create a space for WHS students to find their match in the world of volunteering. Together, they tended to the earth, planting garlic on private land, their hands moving in synchrony with the rhythm of creation.
As the day unfolded, I witnessed something magical - the pure, simple joy of collective effort, of shared accomplishment. In the laughter of students, the earthy scent of soil, I found solace, a reminder that, in the act of giving, one receives far more than they could ever imagine.

And so, my journey continues, a tapestry woven with threads of community, compassion, and connection. In the embrace of volunteering, I find not only purpose but also a profound sense of fulfilment - a reminder that, in giving of oneself, one discovers the true essence of being human.

Written by Liyin Hua a.k.a Sunny for Volunteer South

Keen to get involved in The Kiwi Kit Community Trust? Read about their roles here.