A young volunteer’s transformation from a shy newcomer to a confident, proactive volunteer has earned the 21-year-old recognition as Volunteering Services’ Volunteer of the Month.
Described by staff as “very keen” and “eager to help”, Collin’s role has grown from simple gardening tasks to actively identifying work that needs doing across the Waipuna Hospice grounds.
Waipuna Hospice maintenance manager Stephen Taylor said Collins has developed a strong eye for detail.
“He walks around and sees different things and comes back and tells me what needs to be done,” Taylor said.
“He’s a very keen young lad and works hard.”
Collins, who has autism, said volunteering has helped him build confidence and spend more time outdoors.
“It’s been good for me. It’s got me outside of my comfort zone,” he said.
“I’m more of an outdoorsy guy, so I like getting out and helping with what I can do.”
Over time, that confidence has translated into new skills – from recognising which plants need attention to using tools and maintaining large garden areas.
“There’s a lot of variety here,” Collins said. “We just look at what needs doing and get into it.”
Support worker Paul Terry said Collins’ attitude stands out.
“I go to pick him up, and he’s waiting, keen to get started. That’s a really good sign.”
Terry said volunteering could be a valuable stepping stone for young people looking to build experience.
“Volunteering gives young people something real: skills, knowledge, and a sense of responsibility on their CV – and that can open doors,” Terry said.
Collins has also taken part in community-facing roles, including pamphlet drops and fundraising collections, helping raise around $1000 at a recent event.
A year ago, staff say, that level of public interaction seemed unlikely.
“When he first came here, he was quite shy,” Waipuna Hospice’s Volunteer Services manager Shelley Atkinson said.
“Now we just let him be, and he tells us what needs to be done. We’re very proud of him.”
Brayden Collins has been named Volunteering Services’ Volunteer of the Month. Photo / Matthew Farrell/SociaLink
Collins hoped to continue volunteering for as long as he can, and has a simple message for other young people considering it.
“Just get out in the community and explore,” he encouraged. “You never know where you might end up helping. It’s a great way to build confidence and find purpose.”
Collins’ story comes amid both Hospice Awareness Week (May 11-17) and Youth Week (May 18-24).
Waipuna Hospice used the moment to highlight the role volunteers play in supporting its services.
Atkinson said the organisation was currently seeking more help, especially for short-term roles during Hospice Awareness Week.
“We need volunteers for street collections, even just two hours,” she said.
“It’s a great way to step into volunteering. You can bring friends or family, and it’s a really meaningful way to spend your time and make a difference.”
Beyond gardening, ongoing volunteer roles include hospice retail shops, depots, and community outreach programs, offering flexible options to fit different lifestyles and interests.
Hospice marketing manager Pazia Moore said community support remained vital.
“Even if you don’t volunteer, just saying thank you to our volunteers or giving what you can makes a difference,” Moore said.
“We can’t do what we do without the community.”
For Collins, that community connection was already paying off.
“It makes me feel proud,” he said. “Getting out there and helping; that’s what it’s about.”
If you’d like to volunteer or your group needs support, SociaLink’s Volunteering Services can help. Visit www.volunteeringservices.org.nz or call (07) 987 0920.
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