Breakfast show host Ferg spreads cheer at Wakatipu Senior Citizens

Craig ‘Ferg’ Ferguson enjoyed spending the afternoon alongside some of Queenstown’s senior citizens recently, when he volunteered his time to help at their weekly Friday social session in the heart of the town.

The Hits breakfast host and QLDC Councillor’s involvement was part of a region wide National Volunteer Week campaign led by Volunteer South to help raise awareness of volunteer opportunities in Otago communities. 

The theme of National Volunteer Week this year was ‘Time to Shine – He wā pīataata,’ and Volunteer South invited leaders in the community to volunteer to raise awareness of opportunities and encourage others to consider volunteering.

Ferg jumped at the chance to get involved.

“It was a great chance to help shine a light on volunteering and to connect with some senior members of our community.” Ferg said.

Wakatipu Senior Citizens, who offer regular activities and social gatherings for Wakatipu basin seniors, are based in sunny rooms overlooking the recreation ground and members can enjoy a range of activities and a weekly hearty meal. Ferg, who is no stranger to supporting his community helped with all aspects of the session and also enjoyed having a chat with his council hat on, listening and sharing some thoughts on issues seniors are facing in the community.

 Manager Gabby Lake was thrilled to have Ferg join them for the afternoon.

“Our Friday lunches are very popular with members who enjoyed having Ferg visit. He really got stuck into the role and worked hard! He helped prepare, serve and clean up after lunch and our members really enjoyed chatting with him. While mostly light hearted and fun, we did manage to bend his ear about our parking issues!”

“Ferg has a high community profile with his council, radio, sporting and charity involvements, so we are very grateful to him for helping raise awareness of the association and hopefully he can inspire a few more people to come along and volunteer with us!’Gabby said.

Volunteer South’s Community Connector Neha Gosalia popped into the session and asked Ferg what he’d say to anyone thinking about volunteering.

“Do it! As Muhammad Ali once said,  ‘Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth’.”

Ferg was one of 5 leaders across the region who took part in the campaign alongside Black Cap Glenn Phillips, Five time Paraylmpian Adam Hall, CODC Mayor Tim Cadogan and The Hits Dunedin breakfast host Callum Procter.

Volunteer South supports, promotes and strengthens volunteering creating stronger more connected communities. Neha will happily help people find a role that sparks their interest and their website lists over 400 roles for volunteers to connect with.

 

For more information contact them on kiaora@volunteersouth.org.nz or call (03) 471 6206