Media Release
For Immediate Release

4 December 2006

Celebrating a Cool Kiwi Million

New Zealanders are being encouraged to celebrate volunteers as a way of recognising the enormous contribution that they make to our local communities.

More than one million New Zealanders volunteer on a regular basis and Tangata Whenua, community and voluntary sector organisations are calling on all New Zealanders to celebrate their effort on International Volunteer Day, Tuesday 5 December 2006.

“Those one million New Zealanders form the backbone of many community and voluntary sector organisations by delivering vital services across a huge range of sectors. Every New Zealander has in some way benefited from volunteer services, whether they or their loved ones have used health and emergency services, Saturday morning sport, or community education and cultural organisations,” says Robyn Scott, Executive Director of Philanthropy New Zealand.

“The value and scope of volunteers often goes unrecognised and International Volunteer Day is a great chance to take the time to show appreciation for their contribution,” says Jo Lake, National Executive Officer of Presbyterian Support New Zealand Inc.

Without our volunteers, the country would come to a standstill.

A 2004 study, conducted by the NZ Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations and Pricewaterhouse Coopers showed that the community and voluntary groups studied returned between $3 and $5 worth of services for every $1 they received in funding.

“It would be great if people took this opportunity to thank the volunteers in their own networks, whether it is the referee at the local Saturday rugby game or the person who coordinates the social club at work. A volunteer is anyone who donates their time and energy without pay,” says Tina Reid, Executive Director of the New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations.

ENDS

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