Volunteering in your community can be immensely rewarding. Some roll up their sleeves and offer what time and skills they have, but for many, it’s a lifestyle.

From helping a neighbour with groceries, to coaching a local sports team, or working in one of the many charity shops, supporting national street appeals or helping to organise large-scale events, volunteers in Cambridge wear many hats, each and every one of them contributing to a stronger, more connected community.

Cambridge offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities that cater to a diverse range of interests, abilities and skills. Our town punches well above its weight when it comes to community spirit.

58.6% of people in rural areas volunteer

A roaring success

The Lion’s Club of Cambridge started out as a small group of locals in 1960. President Brent Montgomerie has been associated with the club for over six years and says they are currently experiencing a growth period in both in membership and fundraising opportunities. 

“We have about 87 members at the moment, with a few more to be inducted in February,” says Brent.

“50% of those members are active volunteers who work across our three main earners, our shed in Vogel Street, our monthly Trash ‘N’ Treasure market and the catering caravan that is at just about every sporting and community event in the area”.

Many of those volunteers double up on roles and do multiple things with some even working across all three areas.

“We have some members who are no longer physically able to volunteer, but they contribute in other ways such as getting involved in the range of committees the club has.” 

Regardless of the age and stage of the volunteers Brent says, like many others who volunteer at various organisations within Cambridge, they are all there for the same reason and that is to give back to the community. 

Grassroots volunteering

Volunteering in Cambridge is not always in the form of a charitable trust or organisation. Thousands of people volunteer their time and skills on the sports fields and community grounds throughout the area. Whether they’re coaching, umpiring or refereeing, course marshalling or driving teams to and from fixtures, the sheer number of these unsung heroes is hard to record. Local sports clubs rely on volunteers to keep running and are always happy to hear from those with knowledge, skill or passion who are keen to get involved.

A nature fix

Be a conservation warrior and dedicate some time to the world-class eco-project at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. Just 20 minutes’ drive from Cambridge, the maunga is always looking for volunteers to assist with a range of roles from guiding, helping with school groups, building trap boxes, weed clearing, track cutting, bird monitoring and more.

Predator Free Cambridge, supported by the Predator Free NZ Trust, supports residents to take control of their precious backyard by supplying tools, funding and resources to get rid of introduced predators such as rats, possums and mustelids. With the focus on protecting our native flora and fauna and increase biodiversity, these community trapping groups walk and check traps about Lake Te Koo Utu, Whitehall and Karāpiro. 

Pro bono consulting and mentoring 

With both population and business growth on the rise, Cambridge is reaping the benefits of companies and professionals offering their skills, time, and resources to support various community initiatives, charities, and non-profits in the region. 

We are fortunate that several businesses are able to provide pro bono consulting, mentoring, marketing advice, and financial planning.

Boards, directorships and various committees present valuable volunteering opportunities where individuals in Cambridge can apply their leadership and professional expertise to organisations working across various sectors. This type of volunteering can be extremely satisfying and leads to the growth of professional networks, and satisfaction in knowing
that you have made a difference in the community you live in.

Good for your brain

Volunteering is not only a fulfilling way to give back to the community, but it can also have significant benefits for your mental and emotional health.

Research has shown that acts of kindness, such as volunteering, can trigger the brain’s reward system. This increase in the dopamine chemical can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It also improves overall mood, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment
and satisfaction. 

The social connection, combined with the dopamine hit from altruistic behaviour, strengthens relationships and creates a support network, promoting good mental health. 

Discover volunteering opportunities in Cambridge

If you are thinking of volunteering some of your time to one of the many organisations, charitable trusts or sports groups in Cambridge, you can contact them directly or get in touch with Volunteering Waikato. They regularly have available roles and can help connect you to opportunities in the community. 

For more information go to  www.volunteeringwaikato.org.nz