The last 12 months I am sure you would agree has been a period of growth and change.
Earlier this year the board took measures to build a financial reserve and closely monitor but not reduce planned expenditure. We also instigated a monthly impact assessment of how the economy was or could potentially affect ourselves and our members. All board meetings in 2008/09 have begun with this review.
We have worked closely with our General Manager, Cheryll, to an agreed larger team of paid and volunteer staff, and created a new role coordinating marketing and team volunteering.
Through the hard work of our General Manager’s work networking in the community and the outcomes reported from focus groups held, it has been established that there is a need for a pilot North Shore Outreach Office. We will continue working on this to build on a better understanding of the needs of community groups across Auckland towards opening additional outreach offices across Auckland with the first being on the North Shore in 2010.
In spite of a tough recessionary climate we have sourced and converted new funding streams through the hard work of our staff under the direction of our General Manager. Once again the “Christmas Wrapping” at Sylvia Park was a success, and we as a board are truly thankful for the hard work of our General Manager and her staff and the many volunteers who contributed their time and “hands”.
The board has been successful in gaining two new members. This means that the skill and knowledge base for Volunteering Auckland continues to grow each year. Our new board members are Kate Ashcroft, who brings specialist employment legal skills, and Catherine Mitchell, who is the National Operations Manager with Alliance Catering [Spotless]. Thank you both very much for your dedication and commitment to Volunteering Auckland. This is further supported by the strong leadership from Cheryll. Her continued role as General Manager inspires the whole team.
The board was sad to lose one of our members, Tim Antric , to Wellington, as he decided to go move to be closer to family. We would like to express our thanks for his input and support whilst he was with us and wish him well in his new career and future.
As a board, we are impressed with the great work that is being done by both our paid staff and volunteer staff under the direction of our General Manager, Cheryll . Thank you to all of you for your dedication and commitment, it is greatly appreciated.
Finally I would like to thank each of our board members for their support and commitment, especially in these very challenging times where life is very busy and one of the biggest sacrifices we make today is to donate our time.
Dianne Denny
Chairperson
