This year marks 50 years since the end of international armed conflict in Viet Nam. Between 1968 and 1975, we sent more than 30 team members to help people affected by the conflict. This Vietnam Veterans’ Day, we’re taking the time to remember our people who dedicated their time to upholding human dignity and protecting humanity in Viet Nam.

Every year on 20 June, we mark World Refugee Day to honour the courage of millions of people who have been forced to leave their homes. Across Aotearoa New Zealand, events large and small were held to honour refugee-background communities, amplify their voices, and encourage connections.

Hamdi Kalif’s story is one of transformation: from a young girl in a refugee camp to a woman now helping others navigate their new lives in Aotearoa. She has turned hardship into hope – not just for herself, but for many new Kiwis.

For Sabelo, keeping his hands busy while volunteering with Red Cross is more than just a way to give back – it was also an important part of his own recovery journey after a stroke.

There’s always a flurry of activity when volunteer Jasmin is asked to help welcome a former refugee family to Invercargill. She explains how she and her fellow volunteers prepare for new arrivals, what they do to help families settle in, and how her own family gets involved.