ALMOST a year ago to the day I walked into Wellington Children’s Centre, a place that until that day I had never been to or really heard of.

My visit was totally unplanned but it was a place I had been told I could drop off a Christmas food parcel for families in need.

I was greeted by an old friend who not only thanked me for my kind donation but who also asked me if I would like to do some voluntary work for the Children’s Centre, and this is where my story begins, because my answer was ‘yes’.

I had no idea when I first joined the ‘getset’ team here in Wellington what my role would be or who I was going to help but my journey and time at the centre has been more fun and fulfilling than I could have ever imagined.

Meeting new people has always been an experience I have embraced but I never thought I would have enjoyed the whole experience as much as I have.

Meeting new families, working with young children and assisting at community events is just a small part of the work I have enjoyed over the past year.

I was invited to sit on many different committees and community forums, which I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in, especially as my work has been focused on my home town of Wellington, a town where I have seen many changes take place over the years.

To be at the forefront of community matters has become something I am now very passionate about and something I hope to continue for many years to come.

Until now I had very little knowledge of the work so many committed local people do for the well-being of our town, and I now have a new found respect for these wonderful local residents.

I have been able to draw on my past work experience in many forms and over the past year I have enjoyed writing many articles about the work the ‘getset’ team does and hope that after many of these articles being published in local papers, I have helped in some small way raise the profile of the wonderful work the Children’s Centre does.

A lot of our work has also been done with many other front line agencies, which has given me an insight into the work and commitment local councils, councillors and housing agencies do.

When I first joined the Children’s Centre I was at a turning point in my life but in truth I didn’t know which way to turn. I feel blessed that I have had the opportunity to work in such a different field and utilise my previous work experience in so many different ways.

My role as a volunteer has given me a new sense of fulfillment and contentment, which I’m sure you will agree is something money can’t buy.

I have enjoyed my year so much that I am keen to continue within this field which, until a year ago, was a career path I had never thought of or considered.

So, where does my journey end? Well, it doesn’t, as it’s evolving every day. I am still excited to accept new challenges, look forward to what every new week brings and love the work I do.

It is easy to go through life staying in our comfort zone and drawing on the familiar, but my own experience is proof that by ‘giving a little you can gain a lot’ for your head, your heart and your general well-being.

To summarise, would I recommend doing volunteer work? Absolutely! It has been one of the most fulfilling years of my life and I hope that my story will inspire many others to follow in my footsteps and enjoy the many rewards I have experienced along the way.