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.
Emma
Fundraising/ President
“Everyone gives what they can, when they can, and everyone’s valued for what they can do. It’s a really positive space where you meet friends for life.”
Mary
Learning Team Leader
“It’s hard to describe how different it is to parent when you know you have a community..”
Jasmine
Property
“ There are families from all different cultural backgrounds and we all just get along so easily. You make lifelong friendships.”
Sharyn
“What started as a search for ideas on how to become a better parent turned into a career lasting around 16 years”
Emily
Team Leader/ PR and Communications
“Playcentre is the best thing I’ve ever done, for me and my kids.”
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 ”.
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”.