21 June 2017
For immediate release
Plunket celebrates National Volunteer Week
This National Volunteer Week (18-24 June) Plunket is celebrating its volunteers across the country and the diverse ways
in which they support whānau with young tamariki.
“Volunteers founded Plunket in 1907 to ‘help the mothers and save the babies’ and 110 years later, volunteers are still
at the heart of our services for families,” says Andree Talbot, Plunket New Zealand President.
“National Volunteer Week is a chance for us to say thank you to all those who make time and give their individual skills
to help families in their local communities, this week and every week.”
Thousands of people across the country give back to their local communities by volunteering for Plunket and Talbot says
that being a volunteer for Plunket means much more than you may think.
“Our Volunteers support many services including parent support groups, playgroups, child safety programmes, parenting
education courses, and much more. Today, there is great diversity in how volunteers are giving their time. People are
just as likely to run a local Plunket Facebook page or produce an e-newsletter as staff a Plunket family centre.”
‘Live, laugh, share – volunteer’, this National Volunteer Week’s theme, captures the appreciation felt when people come
together to build stronger communities through volunteering. This resonates strongly with Plunket whose volunteers
create connected communities by bringing families together.
“Research and our own experience show that children are more likely to thrive when they grow up in communities where
families give their time to help each other. We’re grateful to every volunteer who has contributed their time to help
families now and over the years” says Talbot.
If you are interested in getting involved in your local community, gaining new skills and helping Plunket get the best
start for every child, contact your local Plunket office or visit www.plunket.org.nz
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