18 June 2026
For the past three years, volunteer Annah has been a familiar face at Plunket community groups in Christchurch, supporting local whānau while creating meaningful connections for herself and her daughter.
“Volunteering for Plunket has been really special for me. It has been amazing getting to meet all the awesome people.”
Encouraged by long-time volunteers Vicky and Tania, Annah first became involved with Plunket after attending a local playgroup.
“I am very lucky to get to volunteer alongside Tania and Vicky," she says. "I have learnt a lot from them and continue to do so – their wisdom, guidance and encouragement have been invaluable.”
Today, Annah helps run two playgroups, supports a clothing exchange, and co-facilitates an intergenerational playgroup at Burlington Retirement Village. She has also discovered a passion for working with children and supporting families.
“I love that I am able to help and support others. Sometimes that is just listening, or giving different ideas, or being able to provide something that they need."
“I love that I am able to help and support others. Sometimes that is just listening, or giving different ideas, or being able to provide something that they need.”
Sarah Lowrey, the Community Services Coordinator supporting Christchurch volunteers, says Annah has “blossomed” since becoming a volunteer.
“Volunteering for Plunket has helped me heal a lot,” says Annah. “It has given me confidence in myself and helped me build my village around me and my daughter. It has given my daughter and me lifelong friends.”
One of Annah’s favourite parts of volunteering is the intergenerational playgroup, where children, caregivers, and retirement village residents connect through music, stories and play.
“It makes me particularly happy when we play a song that the children absolutely love and they really get into it. Recently it was 'Let It Go' from Frozen, and it was so heartwarming to watch everyone get into it, but specifically how the kids knew all the words and dance moves!”
