#Soup kitchen

Volunteers invested 5,560 hours in the Soup Kitchen in 2014. We would like to thank each and every one for their hard work and commitment.

Volunteers have been involved with the Soup Kitchen since its inception, and continue to provide hands-on help to all aspects of the Centre.

We welcome individuals who would like to volunteer at the Centre. If you think you would like to help, please have a look at the different ways you can volunteer, and get in touch. We will then have a chat about where your interests lie, what our current needs are, and the next steps in the process of becoming a Soup Kitchen/Compassion Centre volunteer. Volunteers play a crucial role in furthering the Soup Kitchen’s mission, and it’s important to us that there is a good ‘fit’ between a volunteer and the Soup Kitchen team.

Download the Soup Kitchen volunteer application form

Volunteer Opportunities

The majority of our volunteers help out in the dining room at the Soup Kitchen serving meals. Generally volunteers are rostered on once a week, once a fortnight or once a month.

Soup Kitchen – evening

Six or more volunteers work as a team with Centre staff to help serve dinner to our guests and assist in the kitchen (4.30–6pm Mon–Sat). Every effort has been made to make the dining room in the Centre an attractive place, much like a cafeteria, where guests can feel welcome and comfortable in a friendly and warm environment. Volunteers play a significant role in creating this environment through the friendly service they provide to our guests. (Dining room volunteers need to be 15 years or older.)

Soup Kitchen – morning

One or two volunteers help in the Soup Kitchen (7.30–8.30am Mon–Sat) to serve soup and bread, wipe tables, do dishes etc.

A small computer suite for Soup Kitchen Community use operates on weekday afternoons. Volunteers give one-to-one assistance with basic IT skills, and help supervise the Hub. The Hub is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12.30 - 4.00pm.

The gathering

This is a regular get-together (1.30–3pm, the first Wed of every month) for elderly clients to enjoy light entertainment, afternoon tea and conversation. Volunteers transport clients to/from the Centre, assist in hosting duties and provide entertainment.

Bread collection roster

A volunteer collects and transports bread donated by Wellington City New World to the Centre using their own vehicle (7am, Mon–Sat). Volunteers usually commit to one day a week.

Street day appeal

We have an annual Street Day Appeal on a Friday and volunteers assist either as a street collector or an area co-ordinator.

Food day appeal

Volunteers assist with a range of one-off fundraising events, eg fashion shows, cake stalls, movie nights.

Miscellaneous fundraising events

Volunteers assist with a range of one-off fundraising events, eg fashion shows, cake stalls, movie nights.

Other ways to volunteer

The Centre also welcomes volunteers who may have skills or ideas that can help the Centre in other ways. If you’re a handyperson, musician, dancer, member of a sports team, painter, builder, plumber or admin whizz, we would be delighted to talk to you.

If you think you would like to help out in a way not listed here, please contact us !

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