National Volunteer Week - 18 to 24 June 2017
This year's theme is "Live, laugh, share -- Volunteer" or "Kia ringa hora: Me mahi tūao." This positive message is about celebrating what volunteers bring to their communities. It is important to recognise volunteering and the place it has in keeping our communities strong and healthy.
The benefits of being a volunteer are well-documented. There's better health and the feel-good endorphins that volunteering releases; around how volunteering can help with job prospects; and other health benefits such as extending longevity and reducing depression in many people. As poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson observed, It is one of the beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely help another without helping himself.
National Volunteer Week is a great opportunity to start volunteering or, if you already volunteer, it's a great time to invite a friend to join you. The positive message for the Week celebrates the joy that volunteers bring to their communities. It also reminds us that volunteers reap the reward of a happier, more engaged life because they feel connected to their communities.
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” — Elizabeth Andrew
I would like to use this opportunity to recognise the huge amount of work done by just over 100 Volunteers for the Christchurch Area Citizens Advice Bureau (3 Branches and 2 satellites). There is extensive training to start with and then they commit to on going training to keep up to date. I am in awe of the service you provide with diligence, care, sympathy and empathy to help anyone who seeks out assistance.
www.nationalvolunteerweek.nz...
www.cab.org.nz...
Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
28.6% With a city-wide public fireworks display
-
19.6% Small fireworks displays in each community
-
8% Keep it as is
-
32.9% We shouldn't celebrate it!
-
10.4% Anything but fireworks
-
0.4% Other - I'll share below
Brain Burn Alert! Today’s Riddle Will Make You Think Twice!
What is seen in the middle of March and April that can't be seen at the beginning or end of either month?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.