Not for profits and community organisations have stepped up to offer help of all kinds as New Zealand recovers from Covid-19 Charities have united to support people needing a hand since March, providing everything from shopping to check-ins, medication deliveries, and connecting those needing advice and information to the best source to provide it.
"We're here to give a quick response to the issues people are grappling with escalating concerns to the right health or service organisations has been keeping us busy, along with matching volunteers to people wanting check-ins and a chat."
Partners IHC and Carers NZ have joined with other community networks to assist older people and those who are unwell, have a disability, or are caring for family members.
"Now we are moving into a different phase of Covid-19 - helping people access goods and services that can't wait any longer, such as food for those who can't shop for themselves. And delivering gifts and treats to people who have been stuck inside for weeks."
The country's sudden entry into isolation and Covid-19 lockdown left many without their usual supports. While supermarket operators like Countdown quickly launched services to give those in most need first option for delivery slots, it was a few weeks before these became available in sufficient numbers to meet demand. Through partnerships and community innovation, most people have got through lockdown well. wecare.kiwi and its partners have been providing a listening ear and a helping hand through this period of isolation. "We expect to continue offering support long-term," says IHC volunteer manager Sue Kobar. "The impacts of Covid-19 will be felt for some time and we have made a long-term commitment to be there to help anyone who is struggling, alongside the many other charitable and community organisations assisting across New Zealand." Moving to risk Level 1 will allow hundreds of IHC Police vetted volunteers to do more for those who have registered for help with wecare.kiwi, she says.
During April and May wecare.kiwi delivered hundreds of parcels of goodies from Kiwi bakery Molly Woppy, and gift cards from The Warehouse to tired Mums and Nanas who can buy themselves a well deserved Mother's Day pressie. IHC's redeployment of its national volunteer capacity to assist anyone of any age through Covid-19 is an amazing example of how not for profits come together when the country needs help. "We are a small not for profit but our partnership with IHC, New Zealand's biggest and oldest charity, shows the combined strengths we can pull together when needed," says Carers NZ CEO Laurie Hilsgen. "We can't solve every issue but we hope we have made a difference, person by person." Many issues arose for family carers during the lockdown. These have been captured in an historic survey, Caring During Lockdown. The Covid-19 survey report will be shared soon.
There is no cost to register with wecare.kiwi to request: Check-ins by phone or email Help with shopping and deliveries Linking you to local support Advice if you have a concern or need more help as New Zealand emerges from lockdown Help with tasks such as taking bins for kerbside rubbish collection if you're unwell or unable to leave the house It's also worth registering to receive updates for those with health or disability support needs, and family carers. As well as information we're sharing resources like Family Care, posting letters to isolated people who do not have the internet or email, and organising deliveries of treats through partnerships with Kiwi companies like gingerbread bakery Molly Woppy and The Warehouse. It takes just a minute to register for yourself or someone you care about at wecare.kiwi!
To register for help, visit wecare.kiwi or phone 0800 777 797
