Every year on December 5, International Volunteer Day, a United Nations-led initiative, is celebrated worldwide. It is an opportunity to champion the impact volunteers have in our communities.

Kaitūao o te Taitonga Volunteer South have been at the forefront of the pandemic response across the region.

Otago Community Trust takes this opportunity on International Volunteer Day to acknowledge all the hard mahi they have done to coordinate, support and connect volunteers to those most in need in our communities. 

Moreover, we acknowledge all the volunteers that did not hesitate to reach out and get involved when our region needed volunteers the most. 

As we reflect on 2020 and the disruption and turbulence it has caused, we can perhaps take comfort that it has raised further awareness of the vital role the volunteer sector has in contributing to unity, kindness and the wellbeing of New Zealand.