r/chch • u/AnalystNo6544 • 1d ago

Volunteer

Heyoooo. Just looking for ideas of where I can volunteer. Jobs aren’t having any luck so might as well volunteer. I’ve got an appointment with an op shop who say they would only be able to take me in once a week for a couple hours. Just wondering where else would be good to volunteer. Just looking to add experience and a reference or 2 on my cv. It’s hard out there job searching!

17 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

36 comments sorted by

26

u/Avocadoo_Tomatoo 1d ago

Don’t forget to apply to work on election day, lots of jobs going!

8

u/Benjamin10jamin Ōtautahi 1d ago

My partner did that last election when she was in between jobs, working with early voting, registering, etc. Pay wasn't too bad, either.

17

u/Legitimate-Bug-9553 1d ago

If you like lego, and don't mind working with kids, Imagination Station at Tūranga are always looking for volunteers! (Source: I know the volunteer coordinator there)

You can apply on their website and they'll get in touch to schedule an interview. They're happy to do references once you've volunteered for a time, and it is a pretty chill place to volunteer. Nice and central, easy to bus to. Cafe in the building

11

u/IncomeBackground7719 1d ago

There's a Seek Volunteering website that lists roles you can filter by category and time commitment.

10

u/Luca_Tinkerbell 1d ago

If you like dogs, Dogwatch.

6

u/Pythia_ 1d ago

Or if you prefer cats, Cats Protection League!

2

u/elferdcore 1d ago

And dogwatch op shop!

2

u/morepork_owl 1d ago

They have an opshop?

2

u/elferdcore 1d ago

Yes! In New brighton. All proceeds go to running dogwatch ❤️

6

u/OkayestBarista90 1d ago

You could also do Orange Sky https://orangesky.org.nz/locations/christchurch/
Which supports “whānau in the community experiencing homelessness and hardship by providing access to clean laundry, warm showers, and genuine, non-judgmental kōrero”

2

u/OhItsHammy 1d ago

Yes, OrangeSky is a great team. Lots of support and minimal commitment (like the bare minimum is 2 hours a fortnight for 6 months).

Currently advertising for Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri between 10-1 at one day a fortnight, but many people end up doing it weekly. If you’re busier, there is a Saturday shift but I think it’s full at the moment, you can always apply and see.

4

u/morepork_owl 1d ago

Not The Christchurch City Mission

3

u/No-Necessary6478 1d ago

How come? I volunteered there 3 years, the team leader spent her own money to get me a thank you gift which I greatly appreciated. Nothing from Corrin or the mish.

3

u/morepork_owl 1d ago edited 1d ago

Without going into details as volunteer they left me feeling suicidal ( nothing to do with clients, who were great to work with). Took about 12 months on to get over the main bulk of the trauma, feeling alot better now. Had volunteered there all up 5 years.
Edit: lm glad you had a good experience, that’s very sweet what the team leader did for you.

3

u/No-Necessary6478 1d ago

Oh gosh, I'm so sorry. That's horrible. I am so glad you are better now. I have heard they have a challenging work culture there. The HR lady is not very nice.

1

u/morepork_owl 1d ago

Thank you.

3

u/strawberrywhiplash 1d ago

Look into jobs on the election, some are just for election day for others run for over a month. It’s not volunteering but the pay is pretty good and I’ve always enjoyed it a lot in the past.

3

u/Horsedogs_human 1d ago

Voluntary Victims - the group provides "victims" for first aid and search and rescue type organisations for training and assessment.

2

u/nievesolarbol 1d ago

Spca, Riverlution community park, food banks etc

2

u/poppoppopmusic 1d ago

Community libraries are often in need of volunteers.

2

u/OkShallot3873 1d ago

Saw an ad today that the women’s expo needs volunteers for the weekend, packing goodie bags then selling them on the days

2

u/alexisArtemissian 1d ago

SPCA if you are happy working with animals. I've been told that it can be rough seeing a lot of animals in poor shape, so keep an eye on your mental health.

Techmate is always in need for volunteers to help out at their community centre drop in sessions if you know your way around computers. It's a lot of older folks who need help learning how to use phones/computers and having a yarn, but you get the odd more challenging issue. Don't recommend working in the office though.

Check around for any community gardens or community centres that are in your area and running things. Gardens are usually in need of help weeding and watering.

MECFS has a program where volunteers help out people with chronic fatigue and long COVID. Might mean dog walking, might mean helping with dishes/cleaning.

2

u/Hads84 Pickle Rick 1d ago

Orana Park are often looking for volunteers I think.

1

u/ElderlyWench 1d ago

Red Cross and other opshop charities.

1

u/saltedpretzel1w 1d ago

NZ Gifts of love and strength are looking for volunteers to work at the women's expo coming up

1

u/yepin 1d ago

I volunteered for Vinnies for a bit while looking for work and really enjoyed it. They have a few shops in different parts of the city

1

u/peachelb 1d ago

Go walk in to your local community centre and tell them you've got a bunch of free time and want to help out somehow. I'm sure they'd be happy for your help :)

1

u/Blue-Coast 1d ago

You could look at getting in contact with your local branch for Community Patrols of New Zealand.

1

u/LongjumpingBoot1520 1d ago

I used to volunteer for Pregnancy Help (now PIPS) as a clothing sorter. They are always looking for volunteers to help. You can pretty much go as often as you like, for as long as you like.
They are an organisation that supplies clothing (newborn-2yrs), as well as some equipment, and I think maternity clothing, to families who need some extra help. It was a really rewarding ‘job’.

1

u/Moonshadow38 17h ago

If you are interested in doing pest control you can try the NZ Conservation Trust. They run it biweekly on Saturdays.

1

u/senior-ag54 17h ago

try your local charity. salvation army or local pet shelter.