Holiday Volunteering in Mount Edgecombe: A Day of Giving Back with Heart
During the school holidays, a group of enthusiastic young volunteers gathered in Mount Edgecombe, North Coast, for a special day of giving back. The sun shone brightly, the energy was high, and the spirit of community was at its best as children and teens came together for a hands-on volunteering experience that touched both people and animals.
The day kicked off with a sandwich-making session in support of the local Rotary Club. With gloves on and music playing in the background, the young volunteers prepared dozens of fresh, nutritious sandwiches for people in need. Some sliced bread, others layered on fillings, and everyone worked as a team. Laughter and teamwork made the task fly by, and the sense of purpose was felt by all. These sandwiches would be distributed to local communities, offering a simple but important gesture of care and support.
Next, our focus turned to four-legged friends. Volunteers arrived with bags of dog food that they had collected in the weeks leading up to the event. The donations were stacked high, ready to be delivered to local shelters where resources are often stretched. But the work didn’t stop there. The volunteers also created snuffle mats – playful and stimulating feeding tools for shelter dogs.
Using recycled fabric and rubber mats, the children and teens knotted strips through holes to create textured, layered mats that hide kibble and treats. These mats provide mental stimulation and enrichment for dogs in shelters, helping to reduce stress and bring a bit of fun into their daily routines. It was a wonderful combination of creativity and compassion.
Throughout the day, volunteers learned the importance of both community service and animal welfare. Many were surprised by how easy and enjoyable it was to make a difference in someone else’s life – whether that “someone” was a person in need of a meal or a shelter dog longing for a little joy.
This holiday initiative in Mount Edgecombe showed the incredible impact young people can have when given the opportunity. Not only did they earn service hours for school, but they also experienced the reward of giving back, working with peers, and seeing the results of their efforts firsthand.
Thank you to everyone who participated – the learners, parents, donors, and organizers. Your kindness and commitment made this day a great success. And a special thanks to the Rotary Club and local animal shelters for partnering with us to make real change in our community.
If you missed out this time, don’t worry – more volunteering events are coming soon! Whether it’s feeding the hungry, supporting local shelters, or tackling other community challenges, we’re always looking for helping hands and big hearts.
Follow us on social media or visit our website to stay updated on upcoming opportunities. Let’s keep the spirit of giving alive, one small act of kindness at a time.