I knew a fair bit about the Wellington City Mission from my previous role at Business and Economic Research Limited (BERL). There, we took a people-orientated perspective of economic development which was about providing opportunities for the future. As part of that work, we heard about The Mission’s vision for Whakamaru; of bringing various community services together, putting The Mission out there for more people, and creating a place where there’s ‘no us and them’. And that very much gelled with my personal values.
In the back of my mind, I always saw volunteering as an opportunity for me to give back, because unfortunately the economic system that continues to be followed slants policy decisions in favour of some, and tends to leave many people behind. So earlier this year, when I had a bit more time available, I started regularly volunteering in the Social Supermarket, which has brought me back almost full circle to growing up stocking shelves in my parent’s shop in Upper Hutt! It was a bit of an unknown stepping into the world of volunteering, but the staff are very welcoming, as are the shoppers, and any time you can give is valued here. It’s a positive environment to be a part of, and it feels great to be in a place where I can do some good.
It’s nice to see people’s eyes light up when they first come through the Social Supermarket doors too, and shoppers often comment on the wide range of food and products they can choose from. Having to come somewhere like The Mission to ask for help does carry the potential to feel whakamā (shame), but there’s none of that. The model of being provided points to spend allows people to experience a sense of control, and that’s important because they are in a circumstance where the power of choice has been taken away. It’s very common at checkout to hear, “It’s really good that we get to choose what we want!” Some people find that being able to pick anything can actually be quite intimidating, so the staff will guide them through that.
I think being part of The Mission is a great way for anyone to contribute, whether it’s through donating funds or food, volunteering, or even just visiting Whakamaru every now and again to interact with people you might not otherwise. We’re all part of this community and we shouldn’t take that for granted, because the strength of our community comes from all of us playing a role if we can. All of us have benefitted from being part of our community in some way too, whether that’s from having access to certain opportunities or just knowing there would be a safety net if we ever needed it. I’m glad to now be helping continue that safety net for others.
