Volunteer Voices - "One of the most rewarding things I do." - Chris Mawson

Wanaka volunteer Chris Mawson says that being an Adult Buddy to the young friend he met through the Buddy Programme has given him a new perspective on life.

“I lead this crazy, busy life but when I’m with my Buddy I’m forced to recalibrate and enjoy the small things. Interacting with him is one of the most rewarding things I do.”

The Buddy Programme matches children aged 5 to 12 with carefully selected and trained adult volunteers in a mentoring relationship that gives them both fun and happiness.

Chris says it’s a great program for children who would benefit from some additional one-on-one time with an adult companion." “We all know Wanaka is a beautiful place but there are still families that need a helping hand. Through this programme kids can get some support, guidance and encouragement.”

About once a week Chris and his Buddy meet up for a few hours and do something fun. Chris says “It isn’t difficult. We just do stuff like going for a bike ride, fishing or hanging out. It’s about having a happy time together and introducing him to some new experiences.”

Yorkshireman Chris had travelled the world and spent time living in Sydney when he sought change in the form of a ski season in Wanaka. “That was in 2015” he says “And at that time Wanaka was about the same size as the town I had grown up in and I really liked the feel of it.” A qualified engineer, he got employment with a local business and along with his partner Katie made Wanaka home.

He says “We love all the outdoors stuff of course.’ My happy place is running the trails in Wanaka and I ski and mountain bike.” He also enjoys the community. “It's so welcoming and now we are reasonably well set up, we thought it was time to give something back.”

Working remotely for a global Swiss based software company Chris travels a lot for work and is responsible for a large team of people. “I travel a lot for work” he says “So anything I did volunteer wise had to be flexible.”

Katie and he saw an advertisement for the Buddy Programme in the local Messenger magazine and he also knew about it because one of his former flatmates had been a Buddy. It felt like the right fit.

“The recruitment process is geared around safety for everyone," says Chris. “I was interviewed, vetted and attended training and everyone at the Buddy Programme is so encouraging and supportive.”

He says he’s loving the small wins. “Getting him off his bike’s trainer wheels was epic. It took me straight back to the time Dad got me off mine. They were good times” he laughs.

Feedback tells Chris that things are going well. So much so that his Buddy’s sibling has seen the fun and asked for their own Buddy.

Chris hopes to be friends with his young Buddy for years to come. “I’m already enjoying seeing the changes in him and would love to be around to see him grow into a young man.”

The Buddy Programme is offered by Family Works Otago, a Presbyterian Support Service. It contributes to the emotional and social wellbeing of children across the region. Interested in having a chat about becoming an Adult Buddy? Contact: Grace Beattie: grace.beattie@psotago.org.nz Tel: 027-880-7389

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