COVID-19: Volunteering in Australia and New Zealand

Each week we are inspired to hear stories from across our company about passionate employees lending their time and skills to community groups to help make a difference and improve the lives of those who have been impacted by the coronavirus. Below is a snapshot of just four such individuals from our Australian and New Zealand team who have shared their stories with us.

In the North Island of New Zealand, the Palmerston North FoodBank provides emergency assistance to people in need. Boehringer Ingelheim employee Andrew Wilson volunteered his time with the Crossroads Church who are partnering with FoodBank to deliver food, bedding and clothing to members of the community who have been severely impacted by the coronavirus crisis. While volunteering, Andrew had the privilege of meeting many people within his community who wanted to share their heartfelt appreciation for the kindness of the volunteers and for the essential items they received. He shared some laughs, some tears and no doubt met some new friends. 

Similarly over in Melbourne, Australia, Peter Morgan partnered with Storehouse Australia, a social enterprise committed to reducing food insecurity in local communities. Peter spent his time in West Footscray working alongside other community volunteers to pack over 600 food hampers filled with nutritious groceries donated by community members and local companies. These hampers were then delivered to members of the community impacted by the current crisis.  

Anika Kuehling has been volunteering an hour every week with her local aged care nursing home in Melbourne Australia. Over the past few weeks Anika has helped to pilot a new program where visitors can visit residents ‘virtually’ for a chat and cup of tea. There is no doubt that elderly members of our community have been impacted the most in the current crisis, and while it is well understood that visitor restrictions are necessary to help prevent the spread of the virus, as a result many older Australians have become isolated. Wonderful people like Anika are making a huge difference to the wellbeing of residents, bringing a much-needed smile to faces and reducing anxiety and loneliness. 

Sometimes it’s not just about providing a service, but the opportunity for human connection and compassion.

Lindy Bukuya also located in Melbourne Australia decided to spend part of her volunteering leave with the CityCare Storehouse in Melbourne, a not-for-profit organisation that provides low cost groceries to low-income families and the elderly. In recent weeks this organisation has seen an overwhelming need for their services. Calling on her barista skills, Lindy made hundreds of free coffees for volunteers and clients, lending not just her time but her love and support to everyone who visited, many of whom were seeking a friendly face and shoulder to lean on during this unprecedented crisis. Speaking about her volunteering experience Lindy commented ‘It made me realise how important it is to reach out to people. One conversation may make the difference in someone’s life”.

We are incredibly proud of every single employee who have already offered their time and services to communities and organisations in need and we know there are many more stories still to be shared in the weeks and months ahead.