Throughout my life, I have been lucky enough to have people help me through my challenges. This has led me to have a deep passion for my community, valuing Whakawhanaungatanga and Manaakitanga as well the importance of working with Maia and Aroha in my every endeavor.

Volunteering has exposed me to the adult world in a way that’s not too difficult. I’ve got to do lots of things that I really love – like being with dogs. I don’t have any paid work experience, but I can put this volunteer experience on my CV which is going to be useful for me in the future.

I found SVA through social media and signed up to the first available volunteer opportunity. I no longer felt helpless.

I’ve been both a volunteer and organiser of several programs with great environmental and social aims, from beach cleanups to helping give out meals to those in need. I was involved in both the grocery delivery service and the vaccine rollout volunteer efforts through COVID.

We’ve seen the impact SVA has made and continues to make, but we need you to step up.