Volunteering at New Zealand Blood Service – Getting to Know Macey Sayers

Macey and her Nan, Debbie

This busy 17 year old has made time around studying for her NCEA 2 qualifications in Tourism, Hospitality and Childcare to give back to her community in Christchurch. She describes what motivates her:

“I like to always push myself to see how far I can get. Just gaining new experiences really motivates me. I don't want to limit myself; I want to give everything a go.”

She was inspired to become a volunteer when she was donating blood. After spotting a notice on the staff roster board, she became curious about what volunteering for NZBS entailed. After asking a few questions, she decided it was something she was keen to be involved in. She enjoys getting to interact with the donors and having the opportunity to talk to and learn from them. She has this advice for other young people wanting to give volunteering a go.

“It’s a great life experience and nothing feels better than helping others around you, no matter how big or small.”

Every NZBS volunteer is appreciated and Macey’s contribution to regular volunteering is recognised and acknowledged by the team in the Christchurch branch of New Zealand Blood Service.

Argene Flack, Administration Team Leader for NZBS, has this to say:

“Macey is the youngest of our team of 25 amazing volunteers and the first ever school student to commit to regular voluntary work for NZBS in Christchurch.

Our volunteers play a large role in supporting NZBS. They assist in the recruitment of donors, they help with nominated administration tasks, meet and greet donors when they come in to donate blood and serve refreshments to our blood donors. Their contribution has been and continues to be invaluable.

Some of our volunteers are donors who can no longer donate, but still want to be able to contribute in some way, while some have had friends or relatives who have received blood so want to give something back. For many others, it’s about being part of making our donors feel appreciated for having donated blood to save lives.”

Volunteers are the backbone of many organisations around New Zealand and Macey demonstrates that young people have an important part to play.