For Marie-Louise and Michael, volunteering at Arohanui Hospice is about more than just giving their time - it’s about connection, having fun, and making people feel welcome.
Marie-Louise first got involved 12 years ago after retiring from her busy property management business and navigating her own journey as a cancer survivor. When thinking about where to volunteer she says the decision was simple: “Hospice was the obvious place to go. I knew it was where the need was greatest.”
Michael soon followed. Having lived in Palmerston North “forever”, Hospice was already familiar to him through friends who drove the Hospice Shop trucks. But his connection runs deeper. “Marie-Louise and I have both had cancer, for me it runs in the family with my mother dying of it prematurely.”
He began volunteering ten years ago as a Hospice Shop truck driver. Today, you’ll find him at the Palmerston North store, greeting people as they arrive to donate goods. As the first point of contact, his role goes beyond simply receiving items.
"It's easy to strike up a conversation with people. They often share stories about those they've lost. The number of people who say, 'The Hospice was so good in caring for our family' is incredible. Those interactions remind you why Hospice matters. "
For both of them, these everyday interactions are what make volunteering so meaningful.
Marie-Louise has worked across several areas of the shop, from toys to bric-a-brac, and now spends her volunteer time sorting clothing. “I like the camaraderie” she says, “It’s an interesting thing going from a business you can never get away from where you run out of time to nurture friendships, to being retired where you have a chance to make new friends. Volunteering with the Hospice is great for that. We have a lot of laughs as a volunteer team.”
For Michael, when asked what his favourite part of volunteering is, he says “the interaction with the donors. A simple question like ‘how long have you been thinking about donating?’ leads into all sorts of interesting conversations.”
Together, Marie-Louise and Michael highlight just how varied and flexible volunteering at Arohanui Hospice can be. Whether it’s sorting donations, driving trucks, or working with books, electrical goods, and everything in between, there’s a place for everyone.
“There’s a great diversity of work here!”
They are also quick to reassure those considering volunteering that it easily fits around life’s commitments.
"People are often surprised by how flexible it is. You can do the hours that suit you and fit it around your life."
At the heart of it all is a shared understanding of why it matters.
“Hospice is not fully funded by the government - they rely on volunteers, donors, and shoppers to make it all possible.”
Through their generosity, warm welcomes, and willingness to lend a hand, Marie-Louise and Michael help create the sense of community that makes Arohanui Hospice so special.
This Volunteer Awareness Week, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Ongley’s, and to all our volunteers who give their time to support our work. Whether you're sorting donations, driving a truck, serving customers, or sharing a friendly conversation, your contribution helps ensure local families can continue to access hospice care when they need it most.
If you’d like to make 2026 your year to volunteer, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. For more information on how to volunteer go to https://www.arohanuihospice.org.nz/helping-us/become-a-volunteer/
