A Simple Task Creating a Big Impact
Beautifully designed crafts are brightening up people’s days, as they are passed around to children at Waikato hospital and delivered to retirement homes…
The idea of volunteering has always intrigued me. I find the idea of people happily, giving up a few hours of their time to support a good cause, very inspiring. They make it seem so easy, but I had no idea where to even start.
While spending countless time scrolling on Facebook, something caught my eye; MicroVolunteering craft workshop, written boldly on my news feed. I was interested to find out more about the organisation and the people who started it.
Unsure of what to expect, I walked into the event with an open mind, eager to learn more. I was immediately welcomed into the group by friendly faces and warm smiles. Laughter and enriching conversations filled the air, as I walked into an unfamiliar space, instantly feeling at home. I did not know anyone, yet everyone made a conscious effort to make sure every person was feeling included in the conversations.
I sat myself down in a comfy leather couch surrounded by colourful paper, colored pens, pencils, scissors and tape. I found myself bringing my own creativity to a blank piece of paper, knowing that this will bring a smile to someone’s day.
All of these beautifully designed crafts will be passed around the children’s ward at the Waikato hospital and delivered to retirement homes, to brighten up someone’s day.
A peaceful vibe filled the room, as everyone participated in a range of mindful activities and crafts. Everyone was eager to help out and learn more about the MicroVolunteering organisation.
It was amazing to see what a small group can accomplish within a short time frame. We made six beautiful paper decorations, twelve love letters, nine Christmas cards, seventeen postcards and fifteen Wow folders.
Many stories were shared about their visitations at the children’s ward, as the encounters they had with them left an impressionable mark on them. They performed rock and roll dances and sang songs on their Ukulele for all the children to enjoy. I can only imagine the hope and joy this would have brought to their days. Hearing stories like these make their initiative seem all the more worthy.
There is so much more to this project than handing out nicely decorated crafts. It’s the stories and connections that are made while visiting these places and handing them out. You would never realise the impact a single card could bring to someone’s life, but MicroVolunteering proves that they can do more than just bring a smile to someone’s face: they are making a positive difference in Waikato.
“It’s more than just having colouring in sessions, there’s people attached to the work that are being presented to the community.” Vice president Dean Watson mentioned at their workshop.
It was amazing to witness a group of individuals from all walks of life, coming together to complete small tasks with a big impact. The young Micro Volunteers are mostly aged between seventeen and twenty-five, who have all come from different backgrounds, experiences and interests. Taking part in these activities tend to benefit the MicroVolunteers as well. Encouraging words filled the room as the ones who felt comfortable shared their life experiences and advice. It was amazing to see everyone making new friends and new connections.
Vice president Dean shared that his most memorable moment while being a part of MicroVolunteering, is meeting like-minded people. Knowing that there are people out there, who also want to make a difference in their community is very reassuring.
“I love learning about people, hearing their stories and learning about their lives. We are all different and I love that. A highlight for me is going to these places and interacting with people you wouldn’t interact with unless you had a reason.”
I left feeling uplifted, encouraged and inspired to contribute to the MicroVolunteering venture. I highly encourage everyone, no matter how old, young, busy, or whatever skill sets you have, to join the MicroVolunteering movement. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for more MicroVolunteering events because they are waiting for you with open arms!
