Sam

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background

I am originally from the UK but moved to Nelson 6 years ago with my partner, we spent 6 months travelling overseas last year before moving Wellington at the start of 2017. I’m about to start my final trimester studying commercial law and accounting at Victoria University and have a summer internship with PwC. In my spare time I like walking, football, travelling and drinking coffee (or wine).

What volunteer opportunities have you been involved in or are you currently involved in?

I volunteered for Ignite Consultants, working as a volunteer consultant on a project with Pomegranate Kitchen. It was really great working with such an awesome organisation, and being able to have a real impact on the way that the way they operate day to day. I now volunteer with Ignite as part of the executive team, working as the Commercial Manager in Wellington.

I also volunteered for Vic Volunteers as a note taker, helping take lecture notes for students with disabilities. This way a really rewarding experience, and it was great to know that my small contribution made a real difference to another person's study - it is something I will definitely be looking to do again in my final trimester.

I currently volunteer at the SPCA helping out with the animal's general welfare, mainly working with the canine team. I have always had family pets from the SPCA including our cat/fur baby, Chandler. It's really great to be able to assist in an organisation that does so much for animal welfare - and the cuddles are a bonus!

Why do you volunteer?

I volunteer as a way of using my time and skills to try and help those who need assistance (people or animals!), and do my bit (no matter how small) to try and improve the community we live in. I also really enjoy all the volunteering roles I have been a part of, it is a great way to meet new people outside of your normal ‘circles’, and develop some of the key skills employers look for.

Who is your biggest hero or inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is my partner, Lara, I think she is pretty awesome! She works really hard, and helps people everyday in her work (as a nurse) and volunteering. She helps motivate me to do more, be better, and to live in the moment a little more and stop planning for my retirement already!

What is your mantra or what is the most important value you live by?

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

What do you love about Collaborate?

I love that Collaborate caters for everyone, no matter what your skill set or availability. It means that everyone can chip-in and find a volunteering opportunity that works for them, and help out whether it’s just a one-off for a couple of hours or an ongoing commitment. It also puts a whole range of volunteer roles in one place, which makes it easy to find the right fit!