Volunteering with heart
At Volunteering Auckland we’re constantly inspired by the dedication and commitment of the volunteers we meet, and the joy they get from what they do – and the impact that the time and effort they give so generously has.
We know, too, that volunteers are drawn to different organisations for different reasons. Sometimes it’s an intensely personal connection prompted by personal experience.
That’s how it was for long-time Heart Kids NZ volunteer Su Harrap. Su began volunteering soon after her daughter Lena Zhang Harrap was born 31 years ago – and throughout her life, Lena was also a dedicated volunteer.
Su paid tribute to Lena, who died in 2021, ‘but left our nation a better place’.
‘While Lena had Down syndrome and visual impairment, it was her heart issues that drew us to giving back to this community through Heart Kids NZ,’ she says.
‘They held our hand in those crucial early years, and in so doing they became part of our village. I wanted to give back, joining the committee for the Auckland Branch of Heart Kids in those early years.
‘During school holidays, Lena and I would go to the National office and help with things such as filling envelopes ready to go out and helping put together camp packs. As she got older we would sit outside PaknSave Mt Albert for the awareness week. From Friday after work, then all day Saturday and Sunday, we became a face for Heart Kids, whilst also collecting donations.
‘We got involved with everything from the “Heart Stopper challenges” to the events for Valentines day, Easter and Christmas. She helped me with the preparations and registrations for the monthly family events, and gave of her time for many years at the Lake Taupo cycle challenge, as well as helping set up, give out water and clear up for the marathons where Heart Kids would be their sponsor.
‘There were many, many hours that she got involved alongside me in a voluntary capacity, where we would turn up early, and along with other volunteers work behind the scenes to help things go smoothly.
‘Heart Kids provides free, lifelong care and support for children, teens, adults and whānau impacted by childhood heart conditions. In Auckland the family days are a time where people can meet, connections are formed, and both siblings and the heart child get to have fun and make those social connections, brought together through common shared experiences.
‘All the time, Lena was not just having fun but giving back to her community and to our nation. She gave back with an attitude of kindness, gratitude and love. She gave back with laughter and joy. Heart kids gave much to her and she gave much in return. There are many volunteers who do amazing things, but Lena truly was one of a kind, my Heart Kid, now a Heart Angel, dancing for Jesus.’
Thanks to Su Harrap, Heart Kids NZ volunteer
Main photo: Ruth Jackson
If you are interested in volunteering in your community in any way, check out the huge range of roles available at the Volunteering Auckland website at www.volunteeringauckland.org.nz/individuals
There’s something to suit every person’s lives, skills, and interests – and roles ranging from one-off or casual roles to regular or long-term commitments.
