We all need friends: IHC calling for volunteer mates

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Papakura Courier

Kia ora neighbours,

Popping out for coffee. Baking chocolate muffins. Dancing to the Moana soundtrack. The small ways we make memories with our friends stay with us forever.

That’s how Ella Hinton, 24, and Tegan Gilbert, 25, spend their time together. Between their selfies, sing-alongs and sweet treats, time flies by until the next week when they hang out again.

Hinton and Gilbert, both of Papakura, have been friends for nearly two years.

They met in an unconventional sort of way, matched to hang out by IHC, New Zealand’s main service provider for people with intellectual disabilities.

Volunteer Co-ordinator Brigit Bowron said there are around five or six other people IHC works with in Counties Manukau with whom she would love to match a volunteer.

“By becoming a volunteer you would be making a positive change in someone’s life and making a new friend in the process,” she said.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Volunteer Coordinator Brigit Bowron on brigit.bowron@ihc.org.nz.