Volunteer stories

Our volunteer stories

Playcentre Aotearoa has over 12,000 parent volunteers who play a crucial role in enriching whānau and tamariki’s time at Playcentre. Playcentre could not function without all our parent volunteers.

This is what makes Playcentre unique.  At Playcentre parents and whānau are the caregivers. Together you build a village where your whole family is connected and thrives.

Here we share the stories and perspectives of some of our valued parent volunteers.

Emily

Team Leader/ PR and Communications

“Playcentre is the best thing I’ve ever done, for me and my kids.”

Virginia

Team Leader / Property

“Being part of Playcentre has enriched the parenting in our house.”

Chevaughan

President / Treasurer

“Playcentre gave me some stability when I was struggling as a first-time Mum.”

Diana

Social Media Manager

“Playcentre is our home away from home. Having a wonderful supportive group of friends has made all the difference to our whānau.”

Dani

Grants and fundraising officer

It is a way to contribute a little part of yourself while deepening your sense of belonging

Jane

Centre vice president

“Volunteering has helped me grow into the strong and independent person I am today”

Susanne

Education officer

“I was part of such a supportive, encouraging environment that journeyed with me through a very busy time in my life”.

Jessicah

Regional and national governance

“Volunteering builds a strong centre culture where everyone values the skills and talents and contributions each other makes”.

Darrienne

Centre president

Playcentre creates a community and support network for mothers in the district ”.

Kasey

Centre president

“I love helping others find family and support”.

 

Jean

Facilitator

“Playcentre has taught me about aroha, manaaki and whanaungatanga”.

Caroline

Centre president

“It’s given me something to focus on, in the way I used to with work, so mentally it’s been extremely satisfying”.

Why Playcentre?

“My children have a whole village of like-minded parents who know their every likes and dislikes as if they were their own children, and I have beautiful friends who are like sisters and taught me how to be a mum! I am forever grateful for my village.”

- Laura

Really great quality education for your little ones. And a supportive network for your whānau that is so much greater than you can anticipate at the beginning.

- Jesse