Read stories about the work that we do in New Zealand. Our members, volunteers and the people that we help all have a unique story to tell.
It’s a wet Tuesday morning in Invercargill, but it’s with a warm smile that Betty Wilson opens the door to Kevin Whitney, a New Zealand Red Cross Meals on Wheels driver.
The November 2016 earthquake saw Hurunui resident Erica Robertson’s insulation tossed around the ceiling and fireplace thrown across the room. Winters on the South Island’s East Coast are chilly, and her house had already been hard to heat.
Carol Ball, one of our National Humanitarian Development Managers, is third generation Red Cross. Her family’s involvement spans over 104 years, to when Red Cross groups first formed in New Zealand.
It’s been two months since Hassan made Christchurch home. With a helping hand from his Refugee Support Volunteer, he’s already started taking English classes, got his Learner driver’s licence and is looking to join a Kiwi football team.
Abdal and Rebecca have a heart of gold. Recently married, they didn’t want the wedding to be just about themselves, so they came up with a unique idea – a gift registry for former refugees.
Fadwa Alkak is a teacher, a sister, a sewer and a Kiwi. Stitch by stitch, she is creating a new life in New Zealand.
From being Branch President to joining his local Disaster Welfare and Support Team and finding time to deliver Meals on Wheels, Kevin Whitney is a man of many Red Cross hats.
It felt like any other day in the office for New Zealand Red Cross First Aid Trainer, Alan. That’s until he received an alert – mid-class – that someone was having a real medical emergency just 200 metres away.
As Invercargill celebrates one year since the city first welcomed former refugees under the quota, we met some of the newcomers to find out how they’re getting on in Southland.
New Zealand Red Cross Refugee Support Volunteers Bob, Frances and Emma worked late into the night to turn a house into a home for a former refugee family arriving in New Zealand.
It’s been a long journey for Natnael and Mekdes. But today, with their three small children, they’ve finally made it to their new home in Christchurch.
Giggles and laughter can be heard from outside a typical white Kiwi weatherboard house in a quiet suburb of Invercargill. If you stand close enough, you may catch a few English and Spanish words being spoken inside the home.
