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Online Volunteer Coordinator Hannah Verry shares some stories from the IHC online friendship programme. The programme began as a response to the challenges of COVID and has continued to grow, becoming a wonderful way for people to connect and build friendships with others around the country.

Ella and Nicole

Five years ago, during lockdown, Ella was studying psychology in Dunedin and feeling disconnected. She wanted to do something that felt human and meaningful. When she discovered IHC’s online volunteer programme, it stood out as a way to build a genuine friendship.

At the same time, Nicole was looking for connection too. She wanted to meet new people.

Now their friendship is part of a much bigger story, shared by more than 350 volunteers and their friends across the country.

For Ella and Nicole, that connection includes weekly emails filled with updates and photos, and monthly Zoom catch-ups where they talk about everyday life. Sometimes they wear silly hats or use funny filters.

Around holidays Nicole shares the arts and crafts she’s been working on or talks about the adventures she’s been up to. Nicole loves to joke around and she keeps Ella laughing.

“Chatting with Nicole is often the highlight of my day,” Ella says. “Having someone to speak with who has been in my life for the past five years is very grounding.”

Nicole agrees. She says the friendship is “pretty great” and when asked about her favourite memory, she sums it up perfectly – “All of it!”

Peter and Ross

For Peter, volunteering began as a New Year’s resolution and a feeling that he wanted to do more to help others. So he signed up for the IHC friendship programme and was matched with Ross. What began as a simple, weekly phone call has turned into a steady, five-year friendship.

“I guess because it was just a phone call for me, the barrier to entry was pretty low,” Peter says. “Knowing that I was helping to keep Ross connected to the world helped as well.”

Ross prefers the simplicity of phone calls, so every week they talk about what’s been happening, what he’s watched on TV and the sports he’s been following. Sometimes conversation doesn’t come easily. “Getting him to talk can be like pulling teeth,” Peter laughs, but feedback from those around Ross makes it clear the calls matter.

“He enjoys and looks forward to our chats.”

Some of their most memorable moments have come from unexpected opportunities. Once when Peter was staying in Ross’s town for a wedding they arranged to meet in person. Ross showed him around his home, and when Peter asked if he should bring anything, Ross didn’t hesitate.

“Tim Tams!”

So they shared biscuits and tea, and a laugh, much like the one they had when Ross cheekily asked for “the latest iPhone” for Christmas.

Rachel and Lee

Rachel’s volunteering journey began for practical reasons. While job-hunting as a speech language therapist, she wanted an experience she could do from anywhere, knowing she might move for work. The online friendship programme was the perfect fit. Five years later, it’s become something far more personal.

Rachel and Lee catch up weekly on Zoom, talking about TV shows, movies, music, LEGO, the weather and what they’re having for tea. Lee never forgets to ask after Rachel’s cat. They often share photos of things they’ve been up to, and their conversations have become a constant in both their lives.

“Our friendship has really grown a lot over the last five years,” Rachel says. “It has shown me the power of consistently showing up for each other.”

Some weeks, they bond over LEGO Masters, watching the show separately and then eagerly discussing the incredible builds. Other times, Lee shares his own LEGO creations or surprises Rachel by playing a song on his guitar.

“He’s talented!” she says.

As the IHC online volunteer programme celebrates five years, these stories show what makes it special: small moments, regular connection and friendships that last.

Join IHC’s online volunteers

If you’re interested in joining the programme or know someone who would like a volunteer friend, check out the Volunteer and Friendship progamme pages or contact Hannah Verry at hannah.verry@ihc.org.nz