When Diane first arrived in Christchurch, life was full of challenges.
“When I arrived in Christchurch 23 years ago, I didn’t speak English, had no family or friends here, and wasn’t confident enough to attend university. My background was in HR, so I decided to look for volunteer opportunities where I could use my skills to give back to the community. I visited Volunteering Canterbury, which was then located on Hereford Street. I went through their large folder of volunteer listings and came across an opportunity with 40+ Employment Support Trust, which was also based in the same building. It felt like the perfect fit,” Diane recalls.
Volunteering Canterbury has long connected people to opportunities that not only meet community needs but also help volunteers grow personally and professionally. Through her first volunteering experience at the Trust, Diane began to build a new life in Christchurch.
“At the Trust, I met some incredible people, and one of them became a lifelong friend. Volunteering there not only helped me improve my English but also allowed me to form meaningful connections that made a big difference in my life,” she says.
Volunteering didn’t just provide social connections, it became a stepping stone for Diane’s career. Ten years later, facing a challenging period after resigning from a job that no longer fulfilled her and struggling with confidence after several rejections, Diane turned back to Volunteering Canterbury.
“I saw an ad for an office administrator role in a school, which was ideal because it allowed me to work during school hours while caring for my daughter. I started with just a few hours a week, which gave me the space to rebuild my confidence. Slowly, my hours were increased, and a few months later the school offered me a permanent paid position,” Diane explains.
Over the next ten years, Diane flourished in her role, working full-time with supportive colleagues and making a real impact. She reflects on the journey with gratitude:
“Volcan played a huge role in my journey, from my first volunteer experience to securing long-term employment. I’m incredibly grateful for the support they’ve given me along the way. Thank you so much, Volcan.”
