Presbyterian Support Otago

20/06/2026

Join us this National Volunteer Week as we recognise those who donate and share their time and talent.

Over the last year an amazing 500+ volunteers have stepped forward with PSO to help people in our community. This is people helping people at its finest!

For more information about volunteering with us, please visit our website https://psotago.org.nz/volunteer

19/06/2026

During National Volunteer Week, Presbyterian Support Otago is celebrating the impact that our volunteers have on the lives of everyday people.
One of our volunteers, Peter, is helping build a young person’s confidence though his steady presence.
Peter, now in his 60s, joined the Buddy Programme after seeing a notice at church. “It would have been easier to say no,” he reflects, “but I thought I had something to offer.”
When he first met his young buddy, things were quiet. “There wasn’t a lot of talking,” Peter says, but over time, a rapport formed.
On Buddy Programme days, Peter picks up his Young Buddy from school, and they head to the workshop, often working side by side in comfortable silence. A stop for donuts usually brings conversation.
What stands out to Peter is the progress. Once unsure of his future, the Young Buddy is now looking ahead with a clearer sense of direction.
Recently, he began building his own project, drawing plans to scale before heading to the workshop.
“It’s the highlight of my week,” Peter says. “It’s lovely watching a young man realise his potential.”
For more information and to get involved in volunteering please visit psotago.org.nz/volunteer

19/06/2026

🥫🥫 Octacan is ALMOST HERE and our Foodbank needs your cans! 🥫🥫

There are two easy ways to get involved:

👉 Drop off cans and essentials in person on Thursday 25 June at The Octagon
👉 Donate online from wherever you are at octacanonline.org.nz

Every donation helps support the Familyworks Foodbank and people in our community this winter 🙌🥫

17/06/2026

Thank you so much Rotary Dunedin Central! It is so amazing to see the whole community coming together to support the foodbank ❤🥫🙌

Our Foodbank’s winter can appeal, OCTACAN, is on Thursday, 25 June from 7.30am in the lower Octagon. Help support Dunedin’s busiest foodbank with kai for OCTACAN!

This year you can also donate cans online https://octacanonline.org.nz/ 🥫🙌

Thank you Dunedin!!!
Three trolleys of food heading to the Presbyterian Support Otago Family Works Food Bank.

17/06/2026

Can't make it to the Octagon? No worries! 🥫
Here's exactly how to donate online to our annual can appeal, takes less than a minute, straight from your phone. 📱 Check out the link on our page for more information

👉 octacanonline.org.nz

📅 Octacan day: Thu 25 June, 7:30am - 2pm @ Lower Octagon, Central Dunedin

17/06/2026

Meet Robyn, the op shop volunteer with an artist’s eye
For more than a decade, Robyn has quietly shaped the experience of Presbyterian Support Otago’s Op Shop.
With a background in television and dabbling in theatre hair and makeup, she brings an artistic eye to her volunteer role – transforming boxes of donated items into thoughtful displays. “I love stuff becoming artful creations,” she says. “Even if someone is just buying jeans, I want them to feel something special when they walk in.”
Robyn is sometimes called the “Op Shop Fairy” – a name she laughs about, but one that reflects her approach. Behind the scenes, she “dresses the set” to create welcoming spaces.
For her, volunteering is about more than the shop – it’s knowing that, in the end, the proceeds go back into the community.
That connection keeps her there, enjoying engaging with people – staff, customers and fellow volunteers. “Without people giving their time, we wouldn’t get such a good result.”
Across Presbyterian Support Otago, volunteers like Robyn contribute in different ways - all supporting the work of Family Works and Enliven services across Otago.
For more information and to get involved in volunteering please visit psotago.org.nz/volunteer

17/06/2026

Octacan is NEXT WEEK and our Foodbank needs your cans! 💙
There are two easy ways to get involved:
👉 Drop off cans and essentials in person on Thursday 25 June at The Octagon
👉 Donate online from wherever you are at octacanonline.org.nz
Every donation helps support the Familyworks Foodbank and people in our community this winter.

Presbyterian Support Otago in New Zealand care for Otago’s older people, provide support for families in need and develop programmes for young adults and children.

15/06/2026

A big thank you to Harcourts Oamaru and everyone who donated pyjamas to help keep our community warm this winter 💙

The Oamaru Familyworks team was thrilled to receive cosy pyjamas to share with local whānau. 🤍

Harcourts Blackham & Co

15/06/2026

This week we are thanking our volunteers who gift their time and energy to weave our community together!
Meet Pat, who is still singing after 30 years volunteering at Iona!
Pat has been part of life at Iona Care Home for more than 30 years, and her involvement in community singing continues to bring comfort and connection to residents. She first came along to support an older woman at a singalong and simply stayed.
Today, Pat is there every Wednesday morning, supporting the session alongside pianists and fellow volunteers. About once a month, she leads the singing. Residents are invited to choose their favourite songs when they can. When they can’t, they sit and listen, and the music still reaches them.
Pat recalls residents by name, often alongside the song they loved — from It’s a Long Way to Tipperary to Sunshine of Your Smile. One moment that stays with her is seeing a woman from the dementia unit sitting quietly, then noticing she was mouthing the words to a song.
Volunteering fills Pat’s days with something she enjoys. She says it is lovely to know she is doing something worthwhile. Recently, a resident leaned over, touched her arm and said, “Oh, we do love you coming.” For Pat, it is simply nice to feel appreciated — something she says reflects the care shown by Presbyterian Support Otago.
For more information and to get involved in volunteering please visit psotago.org.nz/volunteer