Source: University of Otago
The usual hum of students socialising and eating in the University Union food court has been replaced with a different kind of buzz as busy volunteers fill care packages for isolating students.
The Otago University Students Association initiative has been aided by a team of University staff – both volunteer bag packers and redeployed staff driving delivery vans, procuring supplies and helping with logistics.
“It’s great that at a time like this we can pull together and make this happen for student welfare,” says OUSA Student Support Manager Sage Burke.
“There is a good and busy spirit amongst all volunteers. Thankfully many people are willing to pitch in. Special thanks for all the delivery vans.”
The welfare packs are an extension of the OUSA food bank, distributing essential supplies – and a few treats – to students and student flats that are self-isolating having tested positive for COVID-19 or been identified as close contacts. As case numbers among students grew, the University put out the call for staff to help with the thousands of packages required.
Staff redeployment hub co-ordinator Jared Hayes says staff from Property Services and Procurement are being kept busy with deliveries and helping OUSA source goods.
“We also had a fantastic response last weekend from departments with vans and utes who came and helped at very short notice to clear a backlog of deliveries.”
Gerry Bartlett (left) and David Wilson are among the volunteers
And teams of staff volunteers are working regular shifts to help OUSA co-ordinators fill the welfare bags. Staff from departments across the University have put their hands up to help, ensuring the bags are not only filled but have a good mix of items.
“People really care about what they are doing and are making an effort to include a variety of flavours of noodles or pasta into each bag instead of just five packs of beef noodles, for example,” volunteer Koren Allpress, from Communications, explains.
Each shift is for two hours and the packages are divided into general, gluten free and dairy free.
The Bulletin Board caught up with some of the volunteers:
Annette Hogg, catering coordinator and general services, Clocktower
“Today we have packed I don’t know how many bags, and just restocked all of the tables.”
She ended her Thursday shift stamping bags with a ‘Love from OUSA’ stamp which food and care items would be packed into.
Annette had decided to take part because she wanted to help the students and wanted to help out OUSA.
When packing she tried to put a variety of each flavour pasta into the bags. She also noted the bags were being packed with high quality brands.
Kerry Scarf, Finance Advisory
“It’s just really good to help out and it’s actually quite fun.”
“Today we were packing rice, two cups into each bag.” People on rice packing were quite social and it had been nice networking with people from other departments, she said.
She had also helped pack some gluten free bags, as well as general restocking.
Glenda Paterson, Finance Advisory
She has two daughters at University, one in her first year and one in her last year.
“I’m more than happy to help out the students, and I can relate to what they’re going through.”
Overall it had been a “really nice vibe, everyone’s really positive and wants to help”.
