Stories

June 2021 marks 70 years of New Zealand Red Cross' Meals on Wheels service and we are celebrating by looking back at some of the incredible stories from our volunteers. 

June 2021 marks 70 years of our Meals on Wheels service. The programme has developed in many ways over time, but the love and care from our volunteers have proven to be the lasting foundation. 

This National Volunteer Week, 20 to 26 June, New Zealand Red Cross joins the whole of Aotearoa in celebrating the contribution of volunteers to make the country a better place for everyone.

Olivier Lacoua, a strong supporter of ours, challenged himself to run 100 marathons to raise money for New Zealand Red Cross. In April, his incredible goal was finally achieved. How did he do it? Why? 

From 15-21 March, hundreds of good people across Aotearoa were seen doing good things in support of our annual Red Cross Appeal. 

This International Women’s Day we’re celebrating women and their achievements, particularly in overcoming the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Meet some of the amazing women in our New Zealand Red Cross whānau who continually inspire us to do good in Aotearoa and abroad.

Since its formation in 1941, the Red Cross Choir has been a pillar of strength in the wider Dunedin community. For 80 years, the group and its members have brought joy to the world by singing at rest homes, hospitals and church services throughout the city. Along the way, they’ve been fundraising for New Zealand Red Cross and supporting many people.

Having received assistance from New Zealand Red Cross after the Canterbury earthquakes 10 years ago, former Christchurch resident Jaki George now devotes much of her time to help us raise funds and support people in need.

When Plimmerton resident, Emma Fromings, received a visit from one of our Red Cross disaster response volunteers, Nikki Carver, following a severe weather event, she was still in shock. But having someone from Red Cross to talk to made all the difference.

For International Volunteer Day, we're celebrating 20 Kiwi humanitarians who have been a difference in 2020. Meet these incredible people.

For Evangeline, a Plimmerton resident whose property has been affected in the recent flood, the sight of a Red Cross volunteer came as huge relief.

Chetan Arekar’s journey to New Zealand was only meant to last three months. However, due to COVID-19, he found himself stuck here longer than excepted - seven months to be exact, without work and with no way of getting home. He was relieved to find out about the support available through Visitor Care Manaaki Manuhiri.