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Volunteer for your Future
Knit for Purpose in 2026!
Knit for Purpose is back for 2026 – for the fourth year in a row! Join us between 15 April (Micro-Volunteering Day) and 13 June (Knit in Public Day), for our micro-volunteering project Knit for Purpose.
Microvolunteering is bite-sized, on-demand, no-commitment actions that benefit a worthy cause. This year, we once again invite you to get involved and knit or crochet squares or strips of squares for blankets, which will be donated to those in need in our community through local organisations.
All details, including a pattern, sizing info and event info, can be found on our Knit for Purpose 2026 page.
2026 is International Volunteer Year!
2026 is officially the International Year of Volunteers! #IVY2026 is all about shining a light on volunteering and making sure volunteers are recognised, supported, and truly included. It’s also a chance to explore how volunteering is changing, share what we’re learning, and celebrate every kind of contribution, whether it’s formal, informal, big, small… every bit counts.
Please join us in this year-long kaupapa and help us celebrate all things volunteering! You can do this in several ways:
📖 Tell your volunteer story
📲 Share #IVY2026 posts online
📢 Join the Call to Action movement
💪 Volunteer!
Volunteer Voices
If you’ve changed schools, moved somewhere new, or are looking to meet new people, volunteering is a great way to find your feet.
Starting somewhere new isn’t always easy, but volunteering helps you connect, build friendships, and feel part of your community – a real sense of belonging, or whanaungatanga – just as Elizabeth discovered.
Share My Student Volunteering Story
We know many of you are already volunteering – but don’t forget to check out the roles available on our website volcan.org.nz. There are usually around 240 current opportunities!
We know the challenges students face around school and extra curricular activities, so here are a few roles we thought may suit:
Hydration Heros and Marathon Motivators
Organisation: Bone Marrow Cancer Trust
When: Sunday 12th April
Location: Christchurch Central
Bone Marrow Cancer Trust provides 80 apartments as a home-away-from-home for patients and families who need to travel to Christchurch for medical treatment. The Rānui House Aid Station at the Christchurch Marathon needs volunteers to cheer on runners, keep them hydrated and bring the energy.
> See more here or search Type of Work ‘Fundraising & Events‘
Annual Appeal Collectors
Organisation: Youthline
When: Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May
Location: Riccarton
Youthline provide a free, confidential helpline, including text and telephone counselling, for young people. Volunteer collectors are need for two-hour shifts, to be the welcoming face of the stall, accept donations, and make a bit of small talk with people who stop by.
> See more here or search Type of Work ‘Fundraising & Events’
Be a Friend Volunteers
Organisation: IHC
When: Ongoing
Location: Rangiora
IHC works to advocate for the rights, inclusion, and welfare of all people with an intellectual disability, and support them to lead satisfying lives in the community. Volunteers in the One to One Friendship Programme Volunteers spend time doing what they enjoy and are matched with a person who enjoys doing similar things.
> See more here or search Type of Work ‘Companionship & Social Support‘
