Imagine how you would cope if you were forced to start your life all over again. Starting from scratch in a foreign country, far away from friends and family, from familiar surroundings – and all in a language you can’t read or speak.

For Dee Magee, owner of a busy pharmacy in Nelson’s Victory Square, a business challenge in 2013 became an opportunity that transformed her workplace and deepened her connection to the community. As more families from refugee backgrounds settled in the area, Dee recognised a growing communication barrier that could impact patient safety.

Over this past year, we’ve continued to support vulnerable people at home and overseas, while making progress to achieve our 10-year strategic plan.

When Ingrid Viafara Liu arrived in New Zealand in 2018, she brought with her more than a suitcase. She carried years of resilience marked by hardship and a dream to build a new life filled with opportunity and peace.

She hoped to leave behind the instability and fear that had followed her across borders and years. What she did not expect was how much courage and healing she would still need to rebuild her life in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our members, volunteers, employees, and supporters have been the heart of our mission since 1915, selflessly dedicating their time and skills to make a difference in the lives of others. An area of our work where we’ve seen this neighbourly good will has been with former refugees, where over the decades our volunteers have helped people fleeing violence and persecution to rebuild their lives in New Zealand.