It’s Volunteer Week, a perfect time to celebrate the incredible contribution that volunteers across our region make.

Their generosity, dedication and energy make Southland a better place to live and it’s important that we acknowledge their efforts.

This year's volunteer week theme is “Weaving the People Together,” reflecting how volunteers are the threads that bind our communities.

Across Southland, volunteers are involved in countless initiatives and services.

From Hospice Southland, and the Rural Support Trust NZ, to the Women’s Refuge, Search and Rescue, Riding for the Disabled, and Meals on Wheels.

Whether coaching sports teams, managing community groups, or supporting learning in schools, volunteers enrich our province with their skills, compassion, and dedication.

Here’s an amazing statistic – 51 percent of people in New Zealand are engaged in some form of volunteering – showing the great support that we get from volunteers.

Last week, I caught up with some Otautau Volunteer Fire Brigade volunteers.

These local people go the extra mile for their community, attending everything from house fires and medical emergencies to motor vehicle accidents, at all hours of the day and night.

Last year their 29 volunteers attended 61 call outs – that’s more than one a week – and it represents the huge commitment that they make.

Their employers also deserve a mention, with many Otautau businesses supporting the volunteers by allowing them time away from work to attend call outs.

This is just one example of the volunteering that happens in small communities around Southland every day.

So, this week let’s stop and say “thank you” to our volunteers – as we celebrate the unsung heroes of Southland - they really do deserve our heartfelt gratitude.

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