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Last modified: 29 Jul 2020 10:31am

We recognise that volunteering is important for our community, not only because positive volunteering efforts play an important role in building community spirit and resilience, but it also brings rewards to individuals who volunteer. Rewards can include improving individual wellbeing and social connections, increasing self-confidence, broadening knowledge and experience and growing friendships.

Recently Council staff had the opportunity to do some volunteering around the district.

Around 30 staff offered their time to give back to the community as part of a wider volunteering campaign run by the economic development team. A further 10 staff are planning for their volunteer activities to take place over the coming month, due to workload commitments.

The volunteers worked on a number of different projects including native planting at Lincoln Wetland, restoration work at Southbridge Pool and lending a hand at the local Salvation Army second-hand store.

Tracy Beardsley, Manager at Salvation Army, Family Store said the extra volunteer assistance was greatly appreciated.
“It really made a difference as this time of year is always very busy for us,” she says.

Andy Spanton, Council Biodiversity Coordinator said the help from the volunteers helped to maintain the Lincoln Wetland as a pleasant spot for the community to visit and explore.

“It was great to have our corporate volunteers assist with managing the native restoration sites at Lincoln Wetland. Those who attended put in some hard work on a hot afternoon to release the native plants and distribute mulch around the sites,” he said.
In addition to corporate volunteering, the Council is facilitating increased awareness of volunteering benefits and opportunities for the wider community through an initiative called ‘Volunteering in Selwyn’. Volunteering Canterbury are running the six-month initiative in Selwyn at local libraries to connect residents looking to volunteer with local not-for-profit organisations. It will also assist local organisations looking for volunteers.

Go to the events page for dates and times.