Volunteer Awareness Week 17 – 23 June 2007

Volunteer Awareness Week 17 – 23 June 2007

MEDIA RELEASE For immediate release 15 June 2007 Playcentre Would Not Be The Fantastic Place It Is Without Volunteers.

Playcentre is a unique Kiwi institution that typifies all that is good about volunteering. For more than 60 years, thousands of Kiwi children and their parents have grown up with Playcentre, a licensed, parent-led early childhood education provider. Families have reaped the rewards of their efforts through new skills, new friends, and most importantly, through becoming confident parents.

“Volunteering is about giving time and getting involved, but you get something back too said Kate Whitwell, President of Ngaio Playcentre in Wellington. “The opportunity to be part of a caring community, develop lifelong friendships, learn new skills, and learn from experienced parents is a fantastic opportunity, especially for those new to parenting,” said Kate Whitwell.

Playcentre sessions operate under team supervision comprised, in most Wellington Centres, of trained volunteer parents.

The importance of volunteers to Playcentre extends well beyond the Centre level however. Many of those supporting the work of the parent teams in each Centre are engaged voluntarily at the Association level, often building a formidable suite of skills in governance, management, child development, adult education and administration.

“Volunteer Awareness Week is a time for Wellington Playcentre Association to acknowledge and thank all the wonderful volunteers involved in the smooth running of the city’s 21 Playcentres, said Jenny Brown, Co President of the Wellington Playcentre Association.

“Many parents continue volunteering at the Association level well after their children have left for school. Playcentre relies heavily on these highly experienced volunteers. “Throughout the history of Playcentre, it has been these volunteers who have seen us recognised both for the proven benefits to the community that Playcentres bring, as well as for the high quality education we give our children.”

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a volunteer member and Educator at Playcentre visit www.playcentre.org.nz

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