How did you get the role of community ministries manager and budget advisor?
When I moved back to Rotorua I didn't know anyone so as a way of keeping busy and meeting people I volunteered at the food bank.
I volunteered for three years and during that time I was given the opportunity to train as a budget advisor. I then applied for the role of community ministries manager and the rest, as they say, is history.
I highly recommend any voluntary work as a way of building self-esteem and confidence. It is also a great way of learning new skills and getting references for future employers.
What is your background?
I have had many different jobs over the years. I have worked as a caregiver, house removalist, cleaner, nanny, shop assistant, receptionist and teacher - and I have been on the domestic purposes benefit when my marriage ended.
I am a qualified teacher, budget advisor, facilitator for parenting programmes, life skills programmes and Safe from the Start - a programme working with children who have witnessed violence.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
Seeing the personal growth and positive changes people have made to their lives.
What do you find most challenging about the role?
Assisting people to find adequate housing/accommodation because Rotorua does not have any temporary emergency accommodation available.
It is most noticeable when people are victims of unforeseen circumstance such as fire or loss of job where housing was provided. Irresponsible lending practices by some companies are leading people further into debt and poverty.
Many people buy necessities like food, clothing, beds and fridges on store cards or through finance companies that allow them to have credit that they can not afford to pay back.
What has been your involvement in the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal and what do you make of the many who donate to it?
We all work as a team co-ordinating various aspects of the appeal. It an extremely busy time of year for us because we have our normal daily work to do as well as source donations, manage collections, pick ups, and sort, pack and distribute hampers.
The community is awesome at supporting us and since news got out about the burglary I have been absolutely blown away by the response from all over New Zealand.
We have had messages of support and donations of money, food, toys and services. Every little bit helps - from the preschooler who came in with a can of food to the companies who donate boxes, we are extremely grateful.
What went through your mind when you heard that some of what was donated had been stolen?
"Christmas is cancelled! How am I going to tell everyone that we can no longer help them to have a Merry Christmas."
You just think of those mums and dads who were planning on giving their kids a nice family Christmas dinner and a present, now having to see the disappointment on their kids' faces.
Do you have any plea to the thieves who took the items?
No. They have to live with the outrage of the community and I believe you get back what you give out.
Tell us three things about yourself that most people wouldn't know.
I was a white-water rafting guide.
I hate having my photo taken - even worse when it is in the newspaper.
I spent two weeks sailing around New Zealand and discovered I do not like boats, they make me sick.
