“What inspired us to start volunteering at the Kaiapoi Toy Library was our love for the Toy Library and the community it supports. Most of us started as members, enjoying the benefits of the Toy Library with our own families. Over time, we became more involved, taking on committee roles and working our way into different positions.
Some of us were invited by good friends already involved with the Toy Library to come on board and lend a hand. What started as helping out and being part of something we loved grew into a commitment to supporting the Toy Library, our families and the wider community.
We all bring different strengths, experiences and ideas, but share the same goal: to keep the Kaiapoi Toy Library thriving and provide a valuable resource for local whānau and tamariki.
Volunteering at the Kaiapoi Toy Library has had a really positive impact on us personally. It has allowed us to build friendships, learn new skills and become more connected to our community. Being part of the committee has helped us grow in confidence, take on new challenges and discover strengths we may not have known we had.
It is rewarding knowing that the time and effort we put in makes a difference to local whānau and tamariki. We have developed a strong sense of belonging, teamwork and purpose.
We wish more people understood that volunteering is not just about giving up your time, but about making a real difference in your community. Every little bit of help counts, and you don’t have to have special skills or lots of spare time to get involved.
One thing we would love to add to our volunteering story is that the Kaiapoi Toy Library has become so much more than just a place to borrow toys. It has become a community where friendships are formed, families are supported and tamariki have opportunities to learn through play.
We are proud of the journey we have taken from being members to becoming an active part of the committee. Volunteering can be challenging at times, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. We are grateful for the friendships we have built, the experiences we have shared and the opportunity to give something back to our community.
We hope our story inspires others to put their hand up, get involved and discover the difference they can make.”
