COMMUNITY
Volunteering
You will be surprised at how many different volunteering opportunities we have. We manage a fantastic group of volunteers who visit Knox at times that mutually suit. With more than 200 residents, there is always help or assistance needed somewhere. Residents truly love visitors and the special skills, support and personalities they all bring. We know that many firm friendships and bonds are created, contributing to a more rewarding life for both residents and volunteers.
How you can help at Knox
Some of our residents need nothing more than a chat, while others need a little more help - for instance, with their shopping or getting to the local library. You may even want to get involved in bigger projects, like organising social events or fundraising. We'd love to hear from you if you think you can help. Volunteers are a valuable part of the Knox team, no matter how much or how little time you have to give.
Here are some of our volunteering opportunities:
Companionship
Chat, support, accompany, play or share to brighten someone’s day. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with Knox residents one-on-one or in group settings. We have many opportunities for you to help out in our resident’s homes. These can include in our Knox Shop, support for residents and family, van outings with the lifestyle and leisure team, new residents support, sharing games, computer assistance, gardening and weekend reception support.
Dining Room Hosts
Help set up dining areas and be a warm and welcoming face for Knox resident’s dining experience. Some residents may need assistance with eating.
Reading and Language Support in Schools
Volunteers and residents can support students in schools with reading and language or adults developing spoken and written english. All volunteers must be willing to undergo a Police check.
Van Driver
Take residents on excursions around Auckland or on shopping trips in Knox’s fully equipped mobility vehicle. Full training to be given to drivers over 25 years willing to undergo a Police check and AA driver assessment at our cost.
New Residents Support
Be a welcoming face for new residents who are settling into Knox. You may help them to organise their rooms, introduce them to other residents and team members, help them with learning their way around the home, and encourage them to try some of the many activities within the home. Share joy with residents in their new home.
End of Life Support
A special and privileged role for individuals to help residents who are at the end of their life. A listening ear, comfort, companionship and support to the resident or their family in the precious last days and weeks.
Linen Service Assistance
Our onsite laundry is always open to a helping hand. You may help to fold and sort residents laundry or deliver fresh linen/clothes to the homes and rooms of residents.
You might like to try your hand at doing something different and we can offer you the chance to do that within a supportive environment. If you would like to keep up to date
with our latest volunteer opportunities, please contact us for more details.
Complete our online Volunteer Application Form now and our Volunteer Coordinators will be in touch with meaningful opportunities in your area of interest.
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart
National recognition
In 2017, our volunteers received a Minister of Health Award in the Community or NGO Health Service Team Volunteers category.
"I didn't want to rock the boat."
I didn't have to.
Majorie felt there was too much sun streaming through the windows in the lounge that she likes to be in. Hoping to cool the space down she did just what she would do in her own home – organise some blinds. Knox CEO, Jill agreed and teamed her up with an interior designer to turn her ideas into reality.
It’s never forgotten that Knox is our resident’s home and they should share decisions and maintain as much control as possible.
Jean
VOLUNTEER
"Volunteering at Knox means a lot personally, especially from the lessons I've learnt from the residents and helping out. I would have never realised how much I could influence someone's day and life, just by talking to someone. This definitely goes back into my own life and makes me think about the people around me, especially my family."
Maria
RESIDENT
"The volunteers here are marvelous. They take me to the library, help me with my computer and my computer skills. I have a laptop in my room – they help me with presentations and learn typing. These volunteers try their best and have a positive energy to be around. They make me feel safe, help push me around in my chair, and keep me company. They play music that we love to hear."
Kristen
VOLUNTEER
"As a volunteer for Elizabeth Knox of almost four years, I have been fortunate to have been able to build valuable relationships with the residents. The conversations and the friendliness of the warm-hearted residents have given me the confidence to improve my communication skills, focusing on companionship. Every moment spent means listening to the wonderful stories and helping the residents when they are in need. This is a terrific way to use my spare time and become part of a family with such amazing staff, residents and volunteers."
Sarah
RESIDENT
"I feel very happy the volunteers come on weekends – it gives me something to do, like making decorations or jewellery, and drawing abstracts or still life. They encourage others to go for walks for fresh air, take us shopping and make us residents feel happy.
I think they are learning a lot – their wonderful coordinator does things with loving grace, care from the heart. They [volunteers] speak different languages, and it can be tough. I tell them to please slow down and repeat it again."
Kanako
VOLUNTEER
"I've been in Auckland since last June. Living abroad is one of my dreams. In a first few months, I just went to a language school to improve my English. However I wanted to have special experience here, anything special for me! I've worked at hospital as a social worker specialised in aged care in my country. Although I engaged in that work, my responsibility was a lot of paper work and I didn't have enough time to spend on being with clients. So I decided to try to volunteer while staying in Auckland. Volunteering here reminds me of when I started to work as a social worker. I'm really pleasure that residents smile at me or say 'thank you' to me even though I have a language barrier and can't talk to them smoothly. That makes me think that kindness or warm-heart is universal and that anyone can express their feeling without words. I'm sorry I have to go back to Japan and have to finish volunteering in middle of February. I'm sure this volunteer is unforgettable and great experience for me. After going back to my country, I'll also look for a job related to aged care."