10 Sep 2015 Bryan and Colleen Fairbairn lost their house in the 22nd February 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, it was terminally damaged and in the residential red zone. Retired now, Bryan and Colleen decided to take care of an area near where they previously lived, in Avonside, Christchurch. Every day since they have visited the site (4 hectares and counting), mowing, weeding, removing rubbish, gardening, planting and installing home-made planter boxes and raised beds on their chosen site. As Colleen said, ‘it’s not ours, we just take care of it’. For around 3 hours each morning and afternoon (home for lunch), Bryan and Colleen make a huge difference in this corner of the red zone, gladdening the hearts and minds of all who live near or pass by. Thanks Bryan and Colleen, you are legends! Our Volunteer of the Month is proudly sponsored by New Zealand Couriers. They receive a $100 cheque, a certificate of acknowledgement and appreciation and a sports bag. Volunteerism is a powerful means of engaging people in tackling development challenges, and it can transform the pace and nature of development. Volunteerism benefits both the community and the individual volunteer by by purposefully creating opportunities for participation. KNZB advocates for recognition of volunteers, working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilising an increasing number and diversity of volunteers throughout New Zealand. Share this page
