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.

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16 July 2025

World Refugee Day 2025: Solidarity across Aotearoa New Zealand

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.

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19 June 2025

Former refugee helping other new Kiwis into employment

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.

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Hamdi Kalif_WRD 2025 - Hero

16 June 2025

From customer to volunteer: Susan finds community at the Hornby Red Cross Shop

Susan first visited the Hornby Red Cross Shop looking for a warm jacket. She's now on the other side of the counter, connecting with customers and her fellow volunteers.

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16 June 2025

Mending bikes, rebuilding strength

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.

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Sabelo Shavhani KaMageza National Volunteer Week 2025

12 June 2025

Helping new Kiwi families find their balance

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.

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Jasmin and Lucas White

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