Wellington City Mission's 123 volunteers have received a gift they weren't expecting.
To honour their tireless work over the past few months, Foodstuffs North Island gifted each volunteer a $50 New World gift card.
Chris Quin, CEO of the Foodstuffs North Island co-operative who operate New World, PAK'nSAVE, Four Square and Gilmours in the North Island says: "It's been an incredibly tough year and Wellington City Mission and Foodstuffs teams did some amazing work together to alleviate the pressure and pain food insecurity brings.
"From our local New World teams and stores supporting the set-up and establishment of a Social Supermarket, to making sure Wellingtonians who needed support with food and groceries had supplies brought to their door when Delta arrived, both teams have worked tirelessly together to help and support. Wellington City Mission's volunteers have played a huge role in what we've all achieved together, and we really wanted to recognise that with a gift from us."
Kara Sage, GM of Volunteer Services at the Wellington City Mission says: "We're thrilled Foodstuffs North Island have gifted the New World cards to all our volunteers for Christmas! 2021 has been a challenging and eventful year. Our volunteers never wavered in their commitment to the Wellington City Mission and the people we serve, showing up every week with a smile on their face and aroha in their heart. To have Foodstuffs North Island recognise their hard work and devotion through this wonderful New World gift card was an amazing bonus!"
On receiving the voucher, volunteer Janet said, "I wasn't expecting that! I feel very good receiving this and appreciated!". Janet has been volunteering at the Mission since the beginning of the year. Her reason for helping out was personal, saying "We've been through some tough times in our life
where we've had to rely on the City Mission. So, it's time for me to give back."
Mary, another happy recipient of the New World $50 gift card says: "Volunteering at the Mission has introduced me to people I would never have had the chance to meet otherwise. Simply knowing them has enriched my life."
Foodstuffs North Island have also extended an invitation to volunteers and staff of the Wellington City Mission to have free access to Clearhead, an on-line mental health wellbeing tool which is available to all Foodstuffs North Island support and distribution center teams and New World, PAK'nSAVE, Four Square and Gilmours across North Island.
Janet and Mary our amazing volunteers with Teana MacDonald, Development Coordinator, Volunteer Services.
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