David Snelgar (left) and Bruce Maunder are making time for friendship and art.

Bringing IHC’s One to One Volunteer Programme to more people is the vision driving our Annual Appeal which starts on 8 February and runs through till the end of March.

The Annual Appeal has set a target of more volunteers for more people. Just a donation of $50 can create a life changing friendship for a person with an intellectual disability. Or any amount you can afford is greatly appreciated.

IHC National Fundraising Manager Adele Blackwood says genuine friendship is something that many of the people supported by IHC miss out on, and that real friendship has the potential to change lives.

“We provide excellent training and support to volunteers but it is costly to do so. It is this sort of work that is paid for by the Annual Appeal, so donors can feel satisfied that their money is making a real difference,” says Adele.

One volunteer story is about volunteer Bruce Maunder, who says he was initially looking for a volunteer position to get some life balance and not work all the time.

Bruce found this in the IHC Volunteer Programme, once he became friends with David.

David has an intellectual disability and loves to be creative through art. He wanted a friend to share his love for art. After meeting each other through the programme, they both knew they were keen to be friends. Since then the two men have been getting together once a fortnight and have never looked back. As a result, David’s creativity and confidence has blossomed.

“All New Zealanders can help IHC achieve wonderful things for people with intellectual disabilities simply by giving to the Annual Appeal which continues until the end of March,” says Adele.

You can donate online here, or send your donation to:

IHC Fundraising
PO Box 1757
Wellington 6140

For further enquiries, please contact:
0800 746 444
national.fundraising@ihc.org.nz