A Cromwell woman has launched a campaign to highlight the benefits of volunteering, inspired by the New Zealand Breakers' ''One Team'' philosophy.
Sharon Smid is behind the One Community project, which is based on the Breakers' values. Her focus is the Cromwell district and her aim is to connect people to their community through volunteering, to sustain volunteer organisations into the future, to share the benefits and encourage younger people, in particular, into volunteering.
She has arranged a function on Friday, August 8, which features former Tall Black and Breakers player Dillon Boucher as guest speaker. In the Queen's Birthday Honours list, Boucher was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to basketball.
Mrs Smid, who is a basketball fan, saw a link between the Breakers' values and her own philosophy on volunteering and strengthening the local community. Boucher was an excellent role model and the ''ultimate team man'', she said.
''He is humble, leads by example and is well respected by his peers and associates - he walks the talk.''
Boucher recognised that without volunteers, basketball would have struggled to reach the status it now had in New Zealand, Mrs Smid said.
''He recognises the value of the volunteer; both what they add to an organisation and the intrinsic rewards that they reap from their involvement.''
Mrs Smid said even people who were not basketball fans would enjoy the evening. The ''One Team'' philosophy embraced by the Breakers had wider application: ''It fits life in general, really''.
''No matter who you are, or what your involvement is in the community, you will take something positive away with you.''
Anyone would benefit from being involved in the community as a volunteer, she said.
''Being a volunteer can lead to paid work, you learn new skills, and share the skills you have and most of all, you can add some fun to your life. There's always a win for everyone who is a volunteer.''
• One Community event, Dillon Boucher as guest speaker, Friday, August 8, 7.30pm, Cromwell College Auditorium. Tickets cost $5.
