Volunteering will help you as much as it helps others

THIS evening, The Auckland Project will host its annual event celebrating volunteering - bringing together 160 guests to recognise those who give their time, talent and energy to something bigger than themselves.

- Michele Armstrong

We've just marked Volunteers' Week a national celebration of the contributions made by volunteers, now in its 40th year. But for those of us working with volunteers daily, the gratitude never stops. So far in 2025, volunteers have given an astonishing 7,300 recorded hours to The Auckland Project a powerful testament to community and generosity.

Volunteering, for me, is deeply personal. I've been involved in this space for over 30 years, starting with a volunteer bureau in County Durham, and long before that as a Brownie peeling potatoes in bob-a-job week! Every opportunity since has deepened my belief in the value of volunteering, not just for the organisations supported but for those who do it.

I experience first-hand every day how volunteers don't just support The Auckland Project but enhance it. They welcome visitors to our various attractions, maintain our gardens, support events, and share their passion for heritage and place. Their spirit and commitment elevate everything we do.