‘In Need' event giving back for nine years
Melissa Aitken is looking forward to meeting new people at the 18th Southlanders In Need event in Invercargill. PHOTO: NINA TAPU
A passion to give is once again bringing people together to help those most in need.
For nine years Melissa Aitken, driven by her desire to help others, has been organising an annual Southlanders in Need day.
This year's event, planned for next month, will once again see dozens of Southlanders provide free services to up to 1000 vulnerable people.
"All of my helpers [say] . . . it's their most favourite day of the year, [because] they get to give back to [their] community, " she said.
Ms Aitken said she had always had a passion for helping people and was grateful to her helpers for volunteering their services and time for the initiative.
Free haircuts, massages and health checks would be among services available on the day.
Fire and Emergency Invercargill staff would be taking registrations for free smoke alarm installations.
The Zonta Women's Club and a mobile dental service led by dentist Manu Aroha Walker would be on site.
Southlanders are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items for grocery bag gifts.
This week, people can start dropping off donations of food and clothing to the Southland Express office at 5 The Crescent, Invercargill until, noon, Friday, July 25.
Southlanders In Need will be held from 1pm-3.30pm, Sunday, July 27, at Aurora College gymnasium, Tramway Rd, Invercargill.
For more information view Ms Aitken's social media page Free Haircuts/Services For Southlanders In Need or call her on 027 533-3600.
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Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Otago Daily Times
‘In Need' event giving back for nine years
Melissa Aitken is looking forward to meeting new people at the 18th Southlanders In Need event in Invercargill. PHOTO: NINA TAPU A passion to give is once again bringing people together to help those most in need. For nine years Melissa Aitken, driven by her desire to help others, has been organising an annual Southlanders in Need day. This year's event, planned for next month, will once again see dozens of Southlanders provide free services to up to 1000 vulnerable people. "All of my helpers [say] . . . it's their most favourite day of the year, [because] they get to give back to [their] community, " she said. Ms Aitken said she had always had a passion for helping people and was grateful to her helpers for volunteering their services and time for the initiative. Free haircuts, massages and health checks would be among services available on the day. Fire and Emergency Invercargill staff would be taking registrations for free smoke alarm installations. The Zonta Women's Club and a mobile dental service led by dentist Manu Aroha Walker would be on site. Southlanders are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items for grocery bag gifts. This week, people can start dropping off donations of food and clothing to the Southland Express office at 5 The Crescent, Invercargill until, noon, Friday, July 25. Southlanders In Need will be held from 1pm-3.30pm, Sunday, July 27, at Aurora College gymnasium, Tramway Rd, Invercargill. For more information view Ms Aitken's social media page Free Haircuts/Services For Southlanders In Need or call her on 027 533-3600.
Scoop
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Celebrating Local Impact: Volunteer Week Expo Coming To Invercargill
Press Release – Southland Regional Development Agency Held in support of National Volunteer Week – Te Wiki Tao -Motu, the free event will showcase community-focused organisations that rely on volunteers to deliver vital services across the region. Southlanders are being invited to discover the power of volunteering and connect with local organisations making a real difference at the Volunteer Week Expo, taking place on Saturday 21 June at Invercargill Central Mall. Held in support of National Volunteer Week – Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu, the free event will showcase community-focused organisations that rely on volunteers to deliver vital services across the region. From emergency services and environmental groups to social support and arts organisations, the expo is a chance for locals to explore how they can get involved – whether they have an hour a month or a day a week to give. Great South General Manager Tourism and Events Mark Frood said the event was about celebrating the impact volunteers had in our community and showing people how easy it is to take that first step into volunteering. 'There are so many ways to make a difference, and this expo gives people a chance to talk directly with the organisations doing the mahi – no pressure, just friendly conversations about how you might be able to help,' he said. Great South is delivering the expo as part of the region's contribution to National Volunteer Week – Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu, using the national campaign's branding and messaging to amplify local efforts and celebrate the power of volunteering across Southland. The expo will run from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 21 June on the Ground Floor of Invercargill Central Mall. No registration is needed, and everyone is welcome. 'Whether you're new to the area, have recently retired, or just want to give back in a way that suits your lifestyle – there's a place for everyone in Southland's volunteer network,' Frood said.
Scoop
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Southlanders are being invited to discover the power of volunteering and connect with local organisations making a real difference at the Volunteer Week Expo, taking place on Saturday 21 June at Invercargill Central Mall. Held in support of National Volunteer Week - Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu, the free event will showcase community-focused organisations that rely on volunteers to deliver vital services across the region. From emergency services and environmental groups to social support and arts organisations, the expo is a chance for locals to explore how they can get involved - whether they have an hour a month or a day a week to give. Great South General Manager Tourism and Events Mark Frood said the event was about celebrating the impact volunteers had in our community and showing people how easy it is to take that first step into volunteering. 'There are so many ways to make a difference, and this expo gives people a chance to talk directly with the organisations doing the mahi - no pressure, just friendly conversations about how you might be able to help,' he said. Great South is delivering the expo as part of the region's contribution to National Volunteer Week - Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu, using the national campaign's branding and messaging to amplify local efforts and celebrate the power of volunteering across Southland. The expo will run from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 21 June on the Ground Floor of Invercargill Central Mall. No registration is needed, and everyone is welcome. 'Whether you're new to the area, have recently retired, or just want to give back in a way that suits your lifestyle - there's a place for everyone in Southland's volunteer network,' Frood said.
