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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12 November 2026

"The danger has gone out of my day."

Not long ago, Alva Linton's kitchen became a genuinely dangerous place for her to be. Alva, who is trying to avoid a second knee replacement, if possible, found the solution through Meals on Wheels, a different volunteer delivering a hot meal to her door each day of the week, rain or shine.

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Alva Linton and MOW volunter Elmer

9 November 2026

My Red Cross story – showing up, learning and still grateful

On the spur of the moment, and thanks to a Facebook ad, newly arrived immigrant, Jocel Garcia, decided to give volunteering for New Zealand Red Cross a go. She saw a call for volunteers for Meals on Wheels volunteers and decided it would be a meaningful way to give back after a corporate career in Manila in the Philippines, as well as a fantastic way to get to know her new neighbourhood.

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Northern Area Rep and Meals on Wheels volunteer Jocel Garcia Dorothy (left) and Mavis

9 November 2026

National Council Annual General Meeting 2026

On Saturday 7 November we held our 95th National Council Annual General Meeting in Wellington. National Council is our highest governing body and is responsible for electing our National President, National Board members, and National Youth Representative.

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NCC voting 2

5 November 2026

Wheely good things happen when a community comes together

Many of Invercargill’s loved but unridden bikes are getting a second lease of life thanks to BestStart Waihopai Kindy and New Zealand Red Cross. Donated bikes are making a difference for former refugee families settling in Southland.

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Darren Frazer and Abby from BestStart Kindy

4 November 2026

The cat who knows it's pudding day

Bradley is a large, unbothered, faintly aristocratic cat — "Garfield's cousin," according to his owner, Jacquie Hurst — and he has Meals on Wheels figured out to the day. "I think he just knows the days of the week," Jacquie says. She started receiving Meals on Wheels around three years ago, after a stay in hospital, on the advice of a nurse.

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Jaquie Hurst and Bradley waiting for the Meals on Wheels Volunteer

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