Celebrating Our Volunteers: GVC's Big Shout Out 2026

This year we hosted a volunteer appreciation lunch as part of a triple celebration. National Volunteer Week, the wider Big Shout Out campaign, and the United Nations International Volunteer Year 2026 all came together to give Gisborne a moment to properly recognise the people who keep our community running.

More than 28 organisations were represented, alongside informal volunteers and supporters, a reminder of just how wide the reach of volunteering is across Tairāwhiti.

The event was a great success thanks to some wonderful community partners. Gisborne Boys' High School generously supplied the venue and tea and coffee station, with a group of student volunteers lending their talents to set-up, hosting and assistance throughout. It is warming to see the next generation of volunteers coming through. The Turanganui Women's Institute catered the lunch, and it was a great fit to support another non-profit organisation powered by volunteers. A big thanks also goes to Volunteering New Zealand for their contribution to this Big Shout Out event, and to all the funders who make our mahi possible year-round.

Trina, Volunteer Support for Gisborne Volunteer Centre, handwrote a card for everyone who registered for the lunch. Trina spoke of the privilege she has interviewing new and seasoned volunteers, hearing about their volunteering journey and the many positive effects volunteering has on their lives.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa, to every volunteer who attended, and to those who couldn't make it because they were out driving vans, supporting services, manning tills and answering phones so others could enjoy an afternoon together.

Guests were invited to fill in "Your Volunteer Story", share photos from the day, and nominate someone for Gisborne Volunteer Centre's Volunteer of the Month. Each month we recognise a local volunteer with a $40 dine-in voucher, thanks to our friends at Bollywood Restaurant. Nominations are open year-round at www.gisbornevolunteercentre.org.nz

Gisborne Volunteer Centre has been building community through volunteering since 2001, our first year coinciding with the UN's inaugural International Volunteer Year. For almost 25 years, everything we do comes down to one thing: connecting people to purpose. Looking around the room that day, so many of you have clearly found yours.