Issue 12 - Autumn 2020 - New Zealand Red Cross
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Issue 12 – Autumn 2020
Kia ora,
Over the past few months,
we’ve experienced something
very few people could have ever
predicted.
A global pandemic has swept across the world,
affecting millions of lives in irreversible ways.
COVID-19 has changed almost every aspect of how
we, as a nation and a global community, live.
New Zealand Red Cross has faced hundreds of
disasters over the decades, yet the COVID-19
situation has presented unfamiliar challenges. In
the face of these new challenges, we have shown
that here in Aotearoa we are capable of unity and
teamwork. To every New Zealander, thank you.
As a Red Cross whānau, we’ve supported Kiwis affected by
COVID-19 in numerous ways. We were there from the very
beginning, at the first COVID-19-related response in New
Zealand, providing welfare support to people quarantined
at Whangaparāoa after returning from Wuhan, China. As the
virus reached our shores and Aotearoa went into lockdown,
we’ve continued to assist on the front lines of the response,
deliver Meals on Wheels to vulnerable people and support
former refugees. Over the past few months, Red Cross
people have shown that they are truly here for good, and I'm
incredibly proud of what we've achieved.
As you read the stories in this COVID-19 edition of RED and get
a glimpse of what we’ve been doing, I hope you’ll be inspired
to do good in your community too.
We know that the threat of COVID-19 remains. We also know
that we and all Kiwis are ready to face this threat.
In Aotearoa and around the world, Red Cross will continue to
support people in need – wherever they may be and whatever
they may face.
Ngā mihi,
Niamh Lawless
S E C R E TA R Y G E N E R A LContents Who are we?
3 Bringing ‘sunshine on cold winter days’
New Zealand Red Cross
to people in quarantine
is part of the largest
5 The Meals on Wheels keep coming in humanitarian network
lockdown in the world – the
7 Helping on the front line and over the phone International Red Cross and
Red Crescent Movement.
9 Virtual support offering comfort to We’ve been helping in
former refugees New Zealand since 1915.
11
We’re helping Kiwis every day -
Double disaster: Responding to Cyclone
whether that’s providing a hot
Harold during COVID-19
meal, helping former refugees
12 COVID-19 responses around the world
rebuild their lives or engaging
with local communities to
be better prepared for an
13 A former refugee’s story of feeding the
community during lockdown
emergency. And, right across
the world, we help people
15
affected by disaster and
Our work, in numbers conflict. Our mission? To
improve the lives of vulnerable
17 What’s been happening in the regions? people by mobilising the power
of humanity and enhancing
21 Member spotlight: Meet Meals on community resilience.
Wheels Coordinator, Barbara McComb
21 Red Cross Shops
22 First Aid: We’re back!
Our
Fundamental
COVID-19 responses Principles
around the world
ɠ Humanity
ɠ Impartiality
Turkey
ɠ Neutrality
ɠ Independence
ɠ Voluntary Service
ɠ Unity
ɠ Universality
Read more about them at
redcross.org.nz/about-us/
what-we-stand-for.
go 2
Trinidad and TobaWhangaparāoa guests,
Lily Gao and her
daughter Ellis, with
Red Cross disaster
response volunteer,
Nicky van Praagh
Bringing
‘S u\ nCOLsD hWINinTEReDAYS ’
ON TO PEOP LE IN QUA RAN TINE
Weeks before New Zealand headed into lockdown, Red Cross volunteers
were already supporting people impacted by COVID-19, offering comfort,
care and friendly ears to Lily and 157 other evacuees from Wuhan, China.
At a time when COVID-19 was When I was in north of Auckland. This was the
a far-off threat for most Kiwis, first COVID-19-related response
Wuhan and we heard in New Zealand, and Red Cross
Lily Gao had already come face-
to-face with the uncertainty that the virus broke out, volunteers were there right
and stress of the new virus. it was scary. We were from the beginning.
Lily was 13 weeks pregnant not sure the hospitals None of the Whangaparāoa
and was travelling with her guests had been able to prepare
two-year-old daughter, Ellis,
would be able to look
for two weeks of self-isolation,
when they were caught in the after us if we got sick. and luggage allowance had
COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, We were there for a been restricted for their flight
China, earlier this year. month, in lockdown, back to New Zealand, so the
first thing our disaster response
Lily is a Chinese Kiwi originally explains Lily.
from Wuhan. She and Ellis were volunteers did was listen to
visiting family in January when After landing in Auckland on what people were missing and
the entire city was ordered into 5 February, their long journey work with other agencies to
lockdown because of the rapid home wasn’t over yet. Lily, Ellis meet their needs.
spread of COVID-19. Lily was and 156 other evacuees went “When we arrived, a kind lady
chosen to board the first flight straight into quarantine for asked me what we needed.
evacuating people back to 14 days at the Defence Force I said my daughter only has
New Zealand. training base in Whangaparāoa, winter shoes. So, the next day,
3 RED Good people doing good thingsponse
Red Cross disaster res
arsley
volunteer, Monica Be Ellis learns how to use her mask, with her mum Lilly and
Nicky
they brought summer shoes the camp with Ellis in a stroller Zumba and yoga classes, and
for her. They also brought and just looking a lot happier.” marked Chinese New Year and
basic things like shampoo, Valentine’s Day. The support
Experiencing an event like
conditioner, towels and tissues, Red Cross volunteers provided
COVID-19 can be scary, stressful
as well as toys and books,” was varied and personalised.
or worrying. These reactions
shares Lily.
are normal but can manifest
“One of the lovely Red Cross in many different ways, which I really appreciated
volunteers asked me if I had any is why our disaster response Red Cross’ help. Red
concerns. I said I was a little bit volunteers are trained to
provide psychosocial support.
Cross volunteers took
worried about my pregnancy
because my daughter was An important part of this a risk to look after us.
making me very tired and I felt support is hearing people’s I cannot say thank you
quite stressed from the journey needs and concerns.
enough, says Lily.
back to New Zealand. “Because we are trained in
“After communicating with psychological first aid, we “They did their very best to
me, the Red Cross volunteer have the skills to be able to help us through daily life,
invited a midwife to come and listen,” says Monica Bearsley, as well as taking note of our
see me. What thoughtful and another Red Cross volunteer at emotional wellbeing. They’re
warm-hearted people! I never Whangaparāoa. good-natured and warm-
expected to get looked after hearted, like sunshine in the
“People were in a situation cold winter days.”
so well by these people I have where they felt vulnerable,
never met. After the midwife concerned, stressed and
came, I felt a lot more secure worried, and our team was
because I knew my pregnancy there to listen, take it in, then
was fine.” take action.”
Nicky van Praagh, one of our A total of 19 disaster response You don't have to be an
disaster response volunteers, volunteers were deployed expert to provide emotional
remembers Lily well. during the 14-day quarantine and practical support to
“Lily was quite anxious about period, volunteering well over friends and family, but
both Ellis and her pregnancy. 900 hours. They set up an training can help.
But once she’d seen the information hub for guests, Call 0800 RED CROSS to
midwife, she appeared to be coordinated the distribution of book your psychological
a lot less stressed. I could see food and other items, checked first aid course.
that she was wandering around in with guests daily, set up
4The Meals
on Wheels
keep
coming
Vera Farrant
While most Kiwis condition, and Vera had just from an illness.
put everything in place to move
stayed at home into a retirement village unit I would normally
during COVID-19 Alert when the country went into
act as if I didn’t have
lockdown.
Level 4, thousands of mobility issues and
“It was wonderful news to
dedicated Meals on find that the meals were try to cook, but when
Wheels volunteers continuing,” says Vera. “I felt my situation really
very relieved, and for the changed, I knew where
stepped up to keep community as well, because
meals coming to they play such an important I could get my meals,
people in need. role. We always know Red explains Vera.
Cross will do what they say
they will do.” While our volunteers have
Wonderful news been maintaining physical
Vera has been receiving Meals
distance during deliveries, they
Moving into lockdown didn’t on Wheels on and off for many
continue to connect with the
come at the best time for years, accessing the service
people they are delivering to by
89-year-old Vera Farrant, a when she has needed support.
stopping and having a chat.
Meals on Wheels recipient Meals on Wheels is our longest-
who lives in Hamilton. Her running service, delivering a hot Brooklyn Wilson, a disaster
mobility was recently reduced meal to people who are unable response volunteer who has
due to a change in her health to cook, less able or recovering stepped in to help with Meals
5 RED Good people doing good thingson Wheels, explains how in the older brackets, who are Aside from bringing a meal,
volunteers have been checking always so kind and loving.” Donna gladly takes the time to
in with recipients. interact with the people who
But Vera need not have
she delivers meals to.
“We’re noticing that a lot of worried. While our valued
recipients are quite scared volunteers aged 70 and over “I hope that the simple smile,
or they’re just unsure about had to stay home, thousands friendly greeting and small talk
the current climate. So, while of people rallied together I offer might somehow help
we’re out giving these meals to ensure that the service brighten up their day. Most of
to people in our community, continued. the people I deliver to eagerly
we’re also providing wait by their window, and you
Another of the volunteers who
psychological first aid. That can see their faces light up.”
stepped up to help is Donna
means making sure everything
is going okay, and that they are
Sanchez. Donna was very More than a meal
close with her grandparents
feeling calm and collected.” Both volunteers and recipients
and says the years she spent
agree that providing meals to
Stepping up to help out with them remind her of the
importance of caring for the people in need is only part of
Brooklyn isn’t the only person older generation. the service. It’s also about the
who has stepped up to help time spent connecting and
keep the meals coming. More “If my grandparents were checking in with people who
than 300 people, including Red still alive today, I’m sure that might be especially isolated or
Cross volunteers from other they would be safe and well vulnerable.
areas and Kiwis who haven’t with family members inside
their bubble to support them Jean Archbold has been
volunteered with us before,
not only physically, but also helping at New Zealand Red
helped us to continue this
emotionally. I don’t think all Cross for more than 15 years.
service at a time when many
elderly people are as lucky as She knows how important the
of our regular volunteers were
they would have been,” Donna social connection is for people
cheering us on from home.
shares. who receive the meals.
“I did wonder what would
“By volunteering to help “Some of the people we serve
happen to Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels, I hope to don’t see many people during
[when the lockdown was
lessen that feeling of isolation the day, so I’d also like to think
announced], but then I very
among vulnerable people in that me saying ‘hi’ and having a
quickly found out it was
our community who rely on short chat with them somehow
being re-staffed with younger
this service.” contributes to making their day
people,” says Vera. “There were
brighter.”
so many dear sweet volunteers
Vera agrees that these
conversations are one of the
best parts of Meals on Wheels.
When you’re on
Donna your own, you really
Sanchez
appreciate the visits,
Vera says.
Donate
Become a monthly donor
and support our work
redcross.org.nz/donate.
6Katrina Meads
Lavina Anderson Kerry Webb
Helping on
the front line
Oliver Todd and over
the phone
From Whangarei to Invercargill, our disaster
response teams have been helping Kiwis stay
safe and well during COVID-19. While some
volunteers are on the physical front lines,
others are on the phone, providing support
to people who are staying at home.
James Newton
from the Disaster
Welfare and Support
Team in Whanganui
Maggie Jack (left)
receives her food
7 RED Good people doing good things parcel, delivered by
Thor HalidoneHelp during testing times When Aotearoa moved to was so amazing. The last time
Alert Level 4, thousands of our Sam had dealings with Red
Krystal Boyes leads the Disaster volunteers who were immuno- Cross was in the aftermath of
Welfare and Support Team compromised or aged 70 or the Canterbury earthquakes
(DWST) in Whanganui, which over stepped down from their where we also helped them in
has been helping at the local regular duties. To keep these an awful time.”
community-based assessment people feeling connected, other
centre. She says the work is The team has made more than
members have been reaching
varied but consistently busy. 7,000 calls to people across
out to them over the phone.
New Zealand, many of whom
“We are there to make the “The Phone a Friend team are living alone or unable to
job of the medical staff easier has been calling for a chat leave home.
and faster,” explains Krystal. and a check-in on how people
“We help with traffic control, are managing during the Getting Katikati through
getting people to complete the lockdown,” explains Pip Mabin, lockdown
questionnaire and cleaning New Zealand Red Cross’
equipment between each In Katikati, the Red Cross team
Psychosocial Support Advisor. has been delivering Meals on
person.” “With thousands of our Wheels and food parcels and
Aside from the practical tasks, people supporting Red Cross providing emotional support
Krystal and the team are also from home, we knew it was to people in need. With online
putting their psychological important to make sure that ordering systems struggling to
first aid skills to work by taking they felt supported too.” cope with demand, Red Cross
the opportunity to check on The impact of these calls has and other community groups
people’s welfare. been felt across the country, worked together to shop
Juan Coffey, the Whanganui with people expressing how for and deliver essentials to
team’s deputy leader, says he valuable the calls have been for people in need.
has seen several people who them. Sam*, who was finding the Maggie Jack, a recipient, says
are anxious and distressed lockdown particularly difficult, her food parcel was a joy to
come through the centre, and said that the call put them at receive.
he and the team have spent ease and encouraged them to
a lot of time helping to ease find the help they needed. “To my surprise a Red Cross
people’s fears. van pulled into my drive. My
heart stopped,” says Maggie,
“There’s a lot of high anxiety, We caught Sam during who immediately thought
as you can imagine,” says Juan. a really hard time, something had gone wrong.
“We have been applying a lot of recalls Tamsyn Settle, “Then I realised it was my
psychological first aid to help groceries. I felt excited yet
lower anxiety levels.” a Disaster Welfare and
humbled that I was having
Support Team (DWST) people come to serve me.”
Looking after each other
member. They were
from afar “Unpacking was like delving
struggling with the into a Christmas stocking – it
Around 11,000 amazing
members and volunteers
lockdown and just was fun checking items off my
list,” says Maggie.
make up our New Zealand feeling really down.
Red Cross whānau, delivering
meals, helping new Kiwis “Sam had nothing but kind
settle in Aotearoa and words to say about us checking
supporting people before, in with them. They said that Get Involved
during and after a disaster. how we listened and advised
Head to redcross.org.nz/
volunteer to find out more.
8Virtual
SUPPORT
offering comfort to former refugees
Red Cross volunteers and staff have been using video calling
and messaging apps to support newly arrived former refugee
families amid the ongoing COVID-19 response.
For Feshale, Atsede and As a priest with the Eritrean attend the usual orientation
their children, who settled Orthodox Tewahedo Church, sessions organised by Red
in Christchurch just five days his religion forbids fighting Cross to help them settle
before the lockdown, the and carrying a weapon, and in their new community.
virtual support has brought the only way for him to avoid However, with the help of
comfort, friendship and vital having to join the military was technology, our staff across the
information. to leave his home country. The country have found innovative
family lived in a refugee camp ways to support them.
“I am always thinking of you. I
in Ethiopia for 12 years, where
hope we can meet up soon, so “The lockdown has made it
they had three more children.
we can really get to know each difficult, but not impossible,”
other,” says refugee support Feshale’s family eventually explains Aklilu Habteghiorghis,
volunteer Jacqueline to the settled in Christchurch in our Settlement Lead worker
new Kiwi family, via online March 2020. in Christchurch. “One of the
video chat. first things we did with families
When we heard we were before the lockdown was to
Jacqueline is one of five
volunteers supporting the coming to New Zealand, ensure that they had group
family settle in Christchurch. we were very happy, messaging and video calling
Their first meeting would because in the camp, we applications set up on their
usually be at the airport or at couldn’t work and the kids phones and knew how
the family’s new home, but couldn’t go to school. We to use them.”
because of COVID-19 Alert Level didn’t know anything about “We’ve got WhatsApp groups to
4 restrictions, they were only New Zealand, but we knew send translated materials about
able to meet online. it was a better place, COVID-19 and government
Feshale, his wife Atsede and explains Feshale. updates. We also organised
their eldest son fled Eritrea in presentations through video
2008 when Feshale was forced The recent lockdown has apps, so the families learn all
to do his military service. meant new families could not the important information.”
9 RED Good people doing good thingsAtsede and Selam
saying hello for
the first time to
their Red Cross
refugee support
volunteers
Virtual meeting with Feshale
and Atsede's family and their
Red Cross volunteers
17-month-old
Selam blowing
For Feshale, the information goodbye kisses to
he learnt through a video call her volunteers
with his caseworker, Aklilu,
was very useful.
“We learnt about emergency Volunteers often become check in to ensure their new
services and we were told former refugees’ first Kiwi friends are not feeling alone.
to dial 111 and what to say in friends. With the restriction
an emergency. It was very “We’ve received a lot of
around COVID-19 Alert Level
clear and good information,” support from Red Cross staff
4, our volunteers and the new
explains Feshale. and volunteers. Whatever we
Kiwis they’re supporting have
needed, they were there. They
found ways of overcoming the
Physical distancing, not check in with us regularly and
challenge of physical distance.
social distancing listen to us. There’s nothing
For Feshale and Atsede, that we’re missing, but we’d like to
Each newly arrived family meant organising an online meet our volunteers face-to-
is matched with a team of call with their volunteers to face soon,” says Atsede.
volunteers tasked to support celebrate Easter. In other parts
them as they settle in the of New Zealand, volunteers
community. This may include
taking them for their grocery
are using video calling apps Volunteer
with families to read bedtime
shopping, explaining how illustrated stories to children, Become a refugee support
to pay bills, enrolling with share photos of their daily volunteer redcross.org.
the doctor and showing the activities and recipes, or simply nz/volunteer.
children their new school.
10Double
disaster:
Responding to Cyclone
Harold during the Solomon Islands
COVID-19 pandemic
In early April, as the At the time of Cyclone Harold, Relief Emergency Fund to
whole world faced the Vanuatu was already dealing boost the ongoing emergency
with immense humanitarian response operations of Vanuatu
threat of COVID-19, challenges. Vanuatu Red Red Cross. These funds will
Cyclone Harold battered Cross was working hard to mean 5,050 families are
some of our Pacific conduct COVID-19 awareness provided with emergency
neighbours, causing and hygiene promotion shelter needs, non-food relief
campaigns and had scaled items, water, sanitation and
extensive damage to
up their extensive volunteer hygiene promotion.
infrastructure and crops. network throughout the
Thanks to the generosity of our
Among the worst hit was country to support the needs
donors, New Zealand Red Cross
Vanuatu. The Category 5 of people affected by it. Aside
was able to augment the IFRC
cyclone, the strongest cyclone from preparing for COVID-19,
contribution by sending parcels
in the region since Cyclone Pam the country was also dealing
of essential non-food items
in 2009, left a trail of destruction with ongoing volcanic
to Vanuatu to help cyclone-
that affected more than 127,000 eruptions and flooding.
affected communities. These
people. It’s estimated that 90 The International Federation parcels included tarpaulins and
percent of housing in some of the Red Cross and Red toolkits to help people build
areas was affected. Crescent Societies (IFRC) emergency shelters, and some
allocated an additional essential household items like
US$675,000 from the Disaster kitchenware, water containers,
Tonga
solar lamps and mosquito nets.
11 RED Good people doing good things
Fiji VanuatuMozambique Red Cross Society helps raise Kenya Red Cross Society promotes proper handwashing
awareness about COVID-19 among vulnerable to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
groups in the community.
responses
around the world
Take a look at how Red Cross
Red Crescent staff and volunteers
around the world have been hard
at work preparing for, and Georgia Red Cross delivers food parcels and
responding to, COVID-19. hygiene products to vulnerable individuals
who are self-isolating.
Italian Red Cross volunteers help build a Bangladesh Red Crescent Society volunteers go
temporary camp for people who don’t have door-to-door in Cox’s Bazar camps to disseminate
anywhere to self-isolate. information on COVID-19.
12Feeding
the community
down during lock
Her journey to New Zealand as a refugee hasn’t been an easy one
but today, as a chef for Compassion Soup Kitchen and an essential
worker during the COVID-19 lockdown, Suzanne* has found her
purpose feeding hundreds of people in need in Wellington.
There’s something about laughing can be heard. Inside, Since the day we
Compassion Soup Kitchen in a team of women is preparing
landed in New Zealand,
Wellington that makes you feel to cook hundreds of meals.
welcome as soon as you walk I have enjoyed everything
in the door. From the warm, On the menu tonight is cheesy that has happened in my
smiling staff, the delicious smell pasta and salad, prepared by
Suzanne, with special elements life, shares Suzanne.
of freshly cooked food and the
happy buzz of the dining room, from her Colombian heritage
“I’ve had a very difficult and
Compassion Soup Kitchen is including “un poco de amor”
complicated life before. I have
a hang-out for Wellingtonians (some love).
been abused since I was a little
experiencing challenges or Suzanne is a former refugee child, from the time I was in
simply looking for company. from Colombia who fled to Colombia until I was in Ecuador.
The kitchen is where the magic Ecuador with her three children Being in New Zealand has been
happens. From outside, a in 2010. She has been building an experience like being reborn,
noisy din of trays sliding, water a new life in New Zealand for because we had many problems
running, fast chopping and more than four years. prior to coming here.”
13 RED Good people doing good thingsMeaningful work split into two groups. We have Suzanne is one of the many
been working with great care, former refugees who has had
For many former refugees like wearing protection and taking
Suzanne, finding employment a difficult journey to New
all the precautions. Obviously, Zealand, but an incredible
plays an important part there’s still a need to carry
in feeling at home in New strength to persevere. At
on with the service because the close of another busy
Zealand. Employment offers there are many vulnerable
more than just financial but fulfilling day in the
people to serve and there has kitchen, Suzanne reflects:
security, it also brings hope, been an increase in demand
pride and a sense of giving over the past few weeks,”
back to the country that My message is for
explains Suzanne.
welcomed them. women, women who
While Suzanne and her team
New Zealand Red Cross’ have had a really hard
normally cook around 125
Pathways to Employment meals every day, recently that life, who have got stains
programme supports new number has climbed to 185. in their past – never stop
Kiwis on their career journey
and helps hundreds of people
Suzanne has enjoyed coming to dreaming that your life
work and being there for Kiwis
find work every year. The will become better. Your
in need during this tough time.
Wellington team helped life will be better, just
Suzanne find a job which “I’m very happy to be helping.
don’t stop dreaming.
combined her cooking skills In fact, they are helping
and passion to help people. me, because they give me
*Name changed to protect
purpose and help keep my
“This job absolutely delights privacy. ‘Suzanne’ was the
mind off coronavirus. I think
me because I love cooking, I founder of Compassion Soup
it’s a beautiful way to give,”
love food, I love giving a gift Kitchen and an inspiring woman
says Suzanne.
back to people, and the gift to the Suzanne of this story.
that they give in return is their
smile,” says Suzanne.
“My family has been thoroughly
blessed by everybody who has
been involved in our life in New Offer a job to a
Zealand. From the Red Cross former refugee
volunteers to the staff and redcross.org.
the people here, we are truly nz/pathways-
blessed.” employment.
Working through
COVID-19 Alert Level 4
Suzanne became an essential
worker during Alert Level 4,
as Compassion Soup Kitchen
was allowed to keep their
doors open. Suzanne’s shifts
increased to support the rise in
the number of people coming
through every day.
“Since the lockdown, we have
14Oinunur wmboersrk,
As at June 2020
11,500
meals delivered weekly
3,200+
people directly
assisted
33
DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT
Psychosocial and
MEALS ON WHEELS
locations practical support
130+
across the country
3,000
disaster
response
volunteers
deployed
volunteers
We know that people may be
feeling particularly isolated at this
time ... our volunteers are checking in
with meal recipients from a distance
22 disaster
response
teams are responding
to keep each other safe. to needs in their
community
15 RED Good people doing good thingsRegular check-in with
358
refugee-background
families
1000
MIGRATION PROGRAMMES
130 refugee support volunteers
around the country
Every time an update comes
people continue
103
to receive trauma out, we translate it and get it
recovery support out into the hands of people
remotely who need it.
15
families
receiving languages
translated
extra information
support about COVID-19
Research shows that social support
National is the number one protective factor for
mail drop individual and community wellbeing
during and after emergencies. We’re
of wellbeing working with our partners to make sure
messages, in as many people as possible have access
partnership to the support they need.
PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT
with NZ Post
Distributed
psychological
first aid guide
COVID-19 wellbeing
resources available to
download
16Our disaster response
volunteers at Whangaparāoa
Auckland/Northland
y Supporting quarantined
guests at Whangapāraoa
y Sending wellbeing letters to
spread kindness to people
feeling isolated in retirement
villages in Auckland
Snippets
from the regions
New Zealand Red Cross people
are doing amazing work all over
Aotearoa. Check out what’s been
Alex, 8, drew a
picture of his
ipa,
happening in the regions.
neighbour Phill
on W he els
a Meals
lu ntee r in Ta ranaki
vo
Ryan Knofflock, one of our
disaster response voluntee
rs
in Taranaki, delivered Meals
on Wheels during lockdown
Taranaki/Manawatu-
Whanganui
y Supporting at the
community-based
assessment centre in
Whanganui
17 RED Good people doing good thingsWaikato/Bay of Plenty
y Shopping for and delivering
groceries to people in Katikati
y Delivering food packages
to vulnerable people in Rotorua
Daniel Wilks in Katikati
Members of the Disaster Welfare
and Support Team in Hawke's Bay
Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay
y Delivering medical supplies
and groceries to people
unable to leave their home
during lockdown
Our Meals on Wheels
volunteers in Hastings
show what two-metre
physical distancing
looks like at the meals
collection point during
the Alert Level
4 lockdown
Donna Sanchez steps
up to help deliver
Meals on Wheels in
Wellington/Wairarapa Masterton after most
of our volunteer
y Supporting food delivery drivers who are
requests more vulnerable
to COVID-19 had to
y Knitting winter warmers stand down during
for the community the lockdown
18ber of the
A piece of art by Ha Marks, a mem
le feeling
Auckland Area Council, sent to peop
g lockdown
isolated in retirement homes durin
na, Thang Lam,
e support volunteer Ele
Before lockdown - Refuge Lun & volunteer Sue at Nelson Airport
Khan
Vung Deih Cing, Niang
Disaster Welfare and Support
Team leader in Nelson Jill Southon
A former refugee child, Asma,
made this drawing of her family
in their bubble in Dunedin
A drawing of a
person sneezing into
their elbow, made by
12-year-old Julia, a
former refugee from
Syria, now living
in Dunedin
19 RED Good people doing good thingsNelson/Tasman/
Marlborough
y Logistics and support at
campgrounds in Nelson
y Assistance and support to
campers in Blenheim
Canterbury/West Coast
y Assisting with grocery
deliveries in Kaikoura
y Screening visitors to
local medical centre in
Greymouth
y Providing warm winter
clothing for Kiwis who have
returned from overseas
and are in quarantine in
Christchurch
Otago/Southland
y Assisting at drive-through
influenza vaccination stations
in Dunedin
y Delivering groceries and
blankets, chopping firewood
and washing laundry for
elderly in Invercargill
20member Spotlight
Thousands of dedicated Kiwis make up our
New Zealand Red Cross whānau. Tauranga
Branch President and Meals on Wheels
coordinator Barbara McComb is one of them.
She talks about her work with Red Cross.
organisational skills. During are doing. So, I thought it was a
the COVID-19 lockdown it good match for me – I want to
involved a lot of resilience help and make a difference.
with change, which I can say
What does your role as a What do you know now that
our wonderful volunteers and
Meals on Wheels coordinator you didn’t when you started
the general public showed in
involve? volunteering?
abundance. This was greatly
The role is very people- appreciated by all. How Meals on Wheels works in
focused, with the primary our community, the Red Cross
What inspired you to get
objective of ensuring volunteer hours involved and
involved?
vulnerable people in our what such a wonderful service
community receive their Red Cross has a fantastic it is!
meals and that they have reputation worldwide and I
What is your favourite part
regular social contact with our enjoy working with people
about being a Red Cross
wonderful volunteer drivers. involved with charitable
member?
To ensure this runs smoothly organisations as they are
it relies on good people, generally so positive and Knowing that I am making
robust communication and passionate about what they a difference.
Try our new Cross Shops, or you can call us
shopping options and we can sell you items over
oss
the phone.
r ed c r If you’re short on time or your
shops
local Red Cross Shop is too To find out more about these
far away, we think you’d enjoy new shopping options we offer,
the new remote shopping or to get the links to our official
options we have to offer. TradeMe accounts, visit our
e your
donat ods
website redcross.org.nz/
ved go
Five of our Red Cross Shops
prelo
red-cross-shops.
are now listing items for sale
via TradeMe, so you can now We always look forward to
shop from the comfort of your providing you with a great
home! If you prefer a chat and shopping experience.
a personal consultation, we’d
still love to see you in our Red See you soon!
21 RED Good people doing good thingsWe’re back!
First Aid
Our face-to-face classes are
back, and we are here to help
you get Red Cross ready in a
safe environment.
From Essential First Aid for
business and individuals to
Mental Health & Wellbeing, we
have a range of courses to meet
all your needs.
We are taking important steps
to make sure that our first aid
training is safe and adapt how
we run our classes according
to the Government guidelines
around COVID-19 alert levels.
To book your course or find
out more about our training
options, head to
redcross.org.nz/firstaid.
If you’d like to find out more
about our virtual training
options, you can contact
firstaid@redcross.org.nz.
Get involved Join the conversation NewZealandRedCross
Follow us on Facebook,
Join today at redcross.org. Twitter and Instagram for all @NZRedCross
nz/get-involved the latest New Zealand Red
Cross news and updates. nzredcross
Volunteer with us
Learn first aid
Donate
Head to
Leave a lasting gift redcross.org.nz/volunteer
in your will to find out more.
Fundraise to help others
22You can also read
