Building together is our strength

If you assume that buildings and amenities, clubs, groups and other organisations are the basis for what we know as community, then surely it is people who are the foundation blocks.

They are largely volunteers who make events and activities run smoothly and assist in the running of various organisations. It is these people who ensure everything is held steady, providing much-needed stability in the provision of services and, in many cases, funding for activities.

I recall speaking to a local group where I was asked if I felt part of the community. A tough question, I thought, as it can take some time to truly blend in and become "local". Many people will know what it is like to live in an area that is not your home town. It takes awhile to learn your way around, establish who is who, and that sort of thing. For a good while, you might be known as the person who bought or rents so-and-so's place.

It seems that in certain places in this country you have to do your apprenticeship, or earn your stripes, before you really are accepted as one of the community.

But the question has caused me to ponder what it is we mean by community. Is it to do with the amenities, schools and health care, for instance? Maybe it has more to do with social services and how comfortable people find life.

Myself, I like to think it is about people and how they act and relate with and care for each other.

There are many examples of why Wanganui has a strong sense of community. On any given day or week, there are many accounts of people doing wonderful things; the sort of actions or activities that bind a community and make it strong.

You don't have to go further than a school gala or pet day to see community spirit at its best and, on Monday, I was fortunate enough to be at the school our children attend. It was interesting to see people putting in a huge effort to bring the annual pet day together. Likewise, the support from the business sector was amazing, considering how tough things have been and the constant requests for help they must receive.

Most often the people and businesses at the heart of these events prefer not to have the spotlight shone on them. It is about supporting the community and holding a successful event, not seeking praise for your own efforts.

The great shame is that there aren't more people prepared to take up their share of the work. The few who do would be grateful for any assistance. By sharing the load among more willing hands very much more could be achieved.

Time is precious but giving a little can result in immeasurable gains and can put you in the heart of the community.

Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz