Red Cross stories
Red Cross stories
Read our stories filled with humanity, resilience and the spirit of volunteering. They show how your support is helping vulnerable people in New Zealand and around the world.
1 October 2021
The power of perseverance
Lian’s journey from farmhand to franchisee was riddled with difficulties, but this former refugee’s determination and unwavering self-belief has never let him down.
Read more
6 July 2021
From Syria to Aotearoa: The tales of four women who survived the bombs
Imagine one day, the walls of your home start shaking, the sounds of our tūī are replaced by those of loud explosions, fresh air changes to the smell of burning and death, and blue skies are hidden behind grey smoke. Imagine Aotearoa is no longer safe. Bullets and bombs have become the new normal. What would you do?
Read more
22 February 2021
Every family reunited
Forced to flee his family and everything he'd ever known, Ali Mashal's story is one of survival, hope and determination.
Read more
10 December 2020
Refugee-background masons making a mark on Dunedin sea wall
When the harbour wall extension in Dunedin required the expertise of stone masons, New Zealand Red Cross’ Pathways to Employment team saw the perfect opportunity for skilled former refugees from Syria.
Read more
10 November 2020
“They are like our second family”
The unlikeliest of friendships are often birthed out of common ground and interest. For Jenny and Dave Pullen, becoming Red Cross refugee support volunteers was in their common interest: to make new friends, both with other volunteers and the families they work with.
Read more
