Connor Venmore gets as much out of volunteering as the organisations he helps.

Twenty twenty with Covid was a bit of a challenge for Connor Venmore but ” 2021 has been really great”, he said despite the challenges of Covid. The year was been capped off for Connor being named as the December Volunteering Mid & South Canterbury and the Hotel Ashburton Volunteer of the Month.

In the past Connor has volunteered with the Ashburton Museum where his role mainly involved data entry and researching. Researching is a passion of Connor’s and he used this skill to research all the charity Op Shops in Canterbury for Volunteering Mid & South Canterbury earlier this year. Connor enjoyed his volunteering at the Museum as he has a real interest in history, historical events and places both in New Zealand and around the world. He enjoys doing genealogy. If there are community organisations that want some help researching or doing history then Connor would be keen to hear from them to see if he can assist them.

Connor has being a willing volunteer assisting our organisation with preparations for International Volunteer Day celebrations in the past, especially in writing names of certificates for presentation.

Early last year Connor got involved in volunteering in the office of CCS Disability Action. Their office is a busy place and Connor was able to free up some of the staff’s time by assisting with administration tasks including scanning, shredding, and photocopying. His volunteering has now led him to a part time job with CCS Disability Action as a Support worker.

For Connor, he gets as much out of the volunteering as those receiving his service. When asked why he volunteers Connor said “I want to get involved in things, help my community”, and in doing so he is rewarded by meeting new people, learning new things, gaining new skills. He says “I get a lot out of helping people, it gets me out and about and is very beneficial”.

Connor began volunteering with Hospice Mid Canterbury six months ago. In his role he walks a Hospice client’s dog, he laughs and says, “not only does it keep the dog fit, it also keeps me fit”.

Last year opened up for Connor, his volunteering has motivated him and helped him explore other things.

His attitude is “I now need to learn to live with Covid”. He strongly encourages others to get involved in volunteering to help the community and be rewarded because it makes your feel good helping others.

If your organisation (based in Mid Canterbury) has a volunteer you would like to nominate for the Hotel Ashburton & Volunteering Mid & South Canterbury Volunteer of the Month, email manager-midc@vmsc.org.nz to request a nomination form be sent to you.