The Gift of Helping Others

By Beth Stitely | Posted: Friday November 6, 2015

The spirit of giving thrives this season as volunteers from Cadbury spend a day helping others.

Donna and Ann are Cadbury/ Mondelez employees who have a heart for giving. This the  second year they have volunteered their time to help a local family during Cadbury's Volunteer Day. Donna and Ann were part of a crew that cleaned the house and tidied the garden of a Dunedin couple who participate in Anglican Family Care's Respite Care Programme.

Julie, the homeowner, was thrilled to have the help.  "Life's busy enough. There are things to do all day. The children and daily needs come first so it's hard to get to the little things. This is a real treat!"

Julie has been taking in children for the past eleven years. Her hard work and compassion for others hasn't gone unnoticed. "Last time we were here they had about thirteen children," says Donna, "They don't turn anyone away." Julie credits her compassion to her recognition that many children are in great need. She's turned that compassion into action and always welcomes children who need a place to stay.

It's this willingness to help others that inspires Donna to come back year after year. "I think there should be more people doing this - helping other people," says Donna. And true to her word, Donna does just that as she lovingly scrubs the walls of Julie's home. 

If you're interested in volunteering at Anglican Family Care, please contact us at 03 477 0801 or community@familycare.co.nz