Recognising Older Volunteers

Thursday, 1 October 2015, 4:42 pm
Press Release: Volunteering New Zealand

Recognising Older Volunteers

Volunteering connects older people to their communities; offers a way to ‘give back’, to use existing and to learn new skills, see old friends and meet new ones.

As the 1st of October marks the International Day of Older Persons, Volunteering New Zealand (VNZ) gives thanks to the essential contribution older people make to the volunteering effort.

VNZ commends those volunteering or wanting to volunteer later in life, age is as they say, ‘just a number’ and not at all a barrier to volunteering.

“As we see a greater shift in the age of the New Zealand population, we should put more emphasis on thanking, supporting, and encouraging older persons volunteering efforts,” says VNZ Chief Executive Scott Miller.

“Volunteering at any age is a two-way street as both parties stand to gain numerous benefits for individuals and communities."

The impact of volunteering, particularly later in life, cannot be underestimated.

Let’s take this day to reflect on the role older volunteers play in our society and ensure older volunteers and potential volunteers are well supported as we look to the future.

We can also make this day a chance to thank the thousands of New Zealanders who volunteer to care for, support and to enrich older people’s lives”, says Miller.

To find out more about older volunteers and current volunteer opportunities in your community make contact with your local Volunteer Centre today.

Volunteering New Zealand (VNZ) is an association of New Zealand organisations that have a commitment to volunteering - such as volunteer centres, national and other organisations. Their mission is to promote, support and advocate for volunteering. www.volunteeringnz.org.nz

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Volunteering New Zealand

Leaders of Volunteering

Volunteering New Zealand (VNZ) is an association of New Zealand organisations that have a commitment to volunteering, such as volunteer centres, national and other organisations.

Volunteering New Zealand's mission is to promote, support and advocate for volunteering.

Contact Volunteering New Zealand

• Website - volunteeringnz.org.nz
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• Phone - +64 4 470 6006
• Media Contact - office@volunteeringnz.org.nz
• Postal Address - PO Box 27302, Wellington 6141