Just by virtue of where you live and the language you speak, what you know can be life changing for a refugee family. It doesn’t feel like you are doing much, but it makes a big difference. Anyone can do it! If you have ever been to the supermarket or caught a bus, you can help.

I became a Red Cross Refugee Support Volunteer in 2019 after hearing stories from a friend who was volunteering. It sounded really interesting and as I wasn’t working full time, I thought I’d give it a go. And I’m so glad I did.

After doing training, one evening a week for six weeks, I realized just how much I had to offer. The skills I take for granted, like speaking English and knowing how to catch a bus, I can pass on to others! I have experienced life in a country where I didn’t know the language myself so I know how hard it can be integrating into a new society. I had to buy new bedsheets not long after moving and had no idea where to go to get the best value, and didn’t know how to ask. I ended up spending more money than I needed to! Knowing the difference between David Jones and The Warehouse is something we take for granted.

The family my team was assigned to, a single mum with four kids, arrived in December 2019. We met them at the airport and took them straight to their new home. It was amazing watching their faces. The mum couldn’t believe it was all for them. The house was modest by our standards, but seemed palatial to them. We showed the boys to their bedroom and they were filled with joy to find shelves with playdoh, balls and other toys – all for them. Watching them open their school packs was a true delight. The family was so grateful and overwhelmed with the generosity given to them.

Over the time we spent with the family, it struck me was how similar we are even though our lives have taken such different paths. On one occasion the mum found a school photo from her daughter’s primary school graduation back home. She was wearing the most beautiful dress and her mother was obviously very proud. The picture was then hung in the lounge for everyone to see.

And at times, our experiences of life were very different. During lockdown, we had to reassure the family that ‘scarcity’ of food at the supermarket meant less choice of food, not no food at all.

Being a Refugee Support Volunteer has been a real growth experience and has made me appreciate the privilege of living in New Zealand. I plan to volunteer again and really recommend it to anyone thinking about it – and to everyone not thinking about it. We are changing people’s lives, but there are changing ours too.

Story by Madeleine Baughen