16,000 hours.
That’s how much time volunteers gave to The Kind Foundation over the past year – across governance, outdoor education, holiday programmes, camps, community events and fitness programmes.
But volunteering is about far more than hours. Behind every hour is a story. A trustee helping shape the future of our organisation. A volunteer supporting a child through their first camp experience. A young person discovering what they’re capable of.
At The Kind Foundation, volunteering isn’t something that sits alongside our work. It is woven through everything we do.
A community built on generosity
From the very top of our organisation to our youngest volunteers, people give their time because they believe in creating opportunities for others. Our Board of Trustees volunteer their expertise, leadership and governance to help guide strategic decisions and keep us focused on our purpose: making a positive difference every day. While financial sustainability matters, success is ultimately measured by the impact we have on people and communities.
Our young volunteers come from across Christchurch. Some are former participants, while others are discovering The Kind Foundation for the first time, all contributing their time while growing in confidence, skills and leadership.
As our Social Impact Report reflects, volunteers help extend our capacity to serve the community. In return, they gain purpose, develop skills and become part of the Kind community.
A journey comes full circle
For some young people, volunteering begins with being part of a programme. That was the case for Liv, who first attended a Wainui camp in 2021. When she became too old to participate, she returned as a volunteer, wanting to give others the same opportunities and sense of belonging she had experienced herself.
“One of the biggest things camp has taught me is that leadership isn’t about being in charge — it’s about encouraging others and helping a team work towards a common goal,” says Liv.
Today, Liv volunteers to help young people build confidence, try new things and discover what they’re capable of.
“Watching a shy camper grow in confidence and come out of their shell is what keeps me coming back.”
Her story reflects something we see again and again: people who benefit from our programmes often return to help create those same opportunities for others.
Growing through service
Volunteering is often where leadership begins.
To recognise and support the young people who generously give their time, we offer a series of Youth Leadership Programmes focused on topics such as managing risk, understanding what makes a great leader, building practical leadership skills and exploring how they can make a positive contribution to their communities. These programmes provide a space for young people to grow their confidence, challenge themselves and develop skills they can carry into future volunteering, study, work and leadership roles.
One of the most rewarding parts of our work is seeing participants return over time in new roles, growing in confidence, taking on responsibility and helping create positive experiences for others.
What 16,000 hours really mean
When we talk about 16,000 volunteer hours, we are really talking about thousands of moments of kindness, encouragement and support. Each one helps make a positive difference in someone’s life. Together, they tell a story of a community that chooses to invest in one another.
That’s why volunteering matters.
Not because of the hours alone, but because of what those hours make possible.
Every act of service becomes part of a much bigger story. At The Kind Foundation, we are proud to see that story continue to grow with every person who chooses to get involved.
