Someplace safe
Kate had always wanted to travel to New Zealand. It was dream from long before war tore apart her home country of Ukraine, sending her looking for a safe place to visit and maybe one day call home.
Kate arrived in New Zealand five months ago on a work visa and found that her childhood dream did not disappoint. She loves exploring this beautiful land, hiking in the hills, strolling along the oceanfront, the beautiful sunsets, fresh ocean air, breath-taking mountains and incredible views. In Christchurch, she found smiling people, friendly cafés and clean streets that were green and flowering even in winter.
The one thing that Kate has not been able to find is a job, necessary for working out her visa and paying her own way. Her dwindling funds sent her looking for local food banks. She found Kairos.
From the first time she walked in through the doors of the Free Store, she was impressed with the friendly team who were well organised in doing important and rewarding work. She was even more struck with the sense of community around her — people happily getting food and chatting with volunteers and with each other, everyone helping each other as a friendly and positive team. It felt like a safe place.
“I thought, ‘I cannot only take. I can also give back.’ And I decided to become a part of this beautiful team. I wanted to be a useful part of this community and to make friends.”
Kate is now a valued volunteer of Kairos, as she cleans, chats with clients, serves food and drinks and assists the team. For Kate, Kairos is amazing people, kindness, care, love, support, warm words and happy smiles — a safe place full of energy and fun.
“I get more than I give. I give my time and energy. I get warmth, smiley eyes, kind words, purpose and belonging. I am recognised. I am known by name.”
Can you help Kate?
Kate is an amazing volunteer, but she is still in need of a paying job to fill the requirements of her work visa and stay in New Zealand. She has wide work experience in different industries. She has worked as an English teacher for kids, a kitchen hand, in retail, as a café assistant in the United States, merchandiser, interpreter, personal assistant manager and as a sales representative.
Can you please let us know if you have or know of any work for Kate? Our team at Kairos would love to keep her around, and can offer a great recommendation!
