Dunne calls for community volunteers
18 March 2010

Ohariu MP Peter Dunne is calling for more community volunteers to come forward to assist local agencies with the social services that they provide to the community.

He was commenting following recent media reports that Johnsonville Meals on Wheels is facing a critical shortage of volunteers.

“Unfortunately, this is not the first local agency I have become aware in recent weeks that is struggling to find the volunteers it needs to carry out is functions.

“We have a great spirit of commitment to voluntary service in our community. It’s something I see constantly in my role as chair of the North Wellington Voluntary Service Awards Committee, and I know there will be people out there with time to commit to voluntary service.

“I am urging them to do so – whatever time they are able to volunteer to organisations like Meals on Wheels will be greatly appreciated,” he said.

Mr Dunne acknowledged that it is not always possible for people to give of their time as freely as they might like.

“That is why, as Minister of Revenue, I have eased the tax burden on community volunteers in recent years, and why I am continuing to look at ways we can better recognise the time people donate to voluntary work.

“In the meantime, I do hope people really support our local voluntary organisations – they are the real life blood of our community,” he said.

Ends

Mark Stewart | Press Secretary | Office of Hon Peter Dunne
DDI +64 4 817 6985 | Mb +64 21 243 6985 |
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