Gloria McHutchon QSM is generous with her time. It’s challenging to find a club in West Otago that she hasn’t been involved with.
Originally from North Auckland, Gloria moved to West Otago to marry local sheep farmer Alex McHutchon. Her volunteering journey began with Plunket, ahead of the birth of her first child. Over the years her volunteering CV has grown to include organisations such as Tapanui West Otago Promotions, Heriot RSA Committee, Rural Women, and more.
Gloria’s ethos: Seeing a need and filling it. “Once you have children, you realise that unless you do it, it’s not going to happen. If they need a swimming group and they haven’t got one, you start one,” she says.
When Gloria noticed new migrant families needed help acclimating to life in New Zealand, she was quick to set up a support system. “If you’ve got the skills to help, you do it.”
Gloria McHutchon (left) with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro
A welcoming smile and local knowledge
A qualified English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) teacher, Gloria supported international students at Blue Mountain College for 25 years. In response to the growth of farmers from other nations, she launched evening ESOL classes for adult migrants in 2006.
Gloria observes that migrants are often reliant on their employers. While some employers provide excellent support, others fall short. Newcomers are often unaccustomed to Clutha District’s cold winters. Gloria provides information on how to source firewood and tips for living in a New Zealand house. These skills are invaluable as newcomers from warmer climates adjust to Kiwi life.
Gloria envisions a future with a structured settlement support network. By establishing an official advocate, migrants would have a reliable source to provide guidance tailored to their unique challenges. An orientation course could offer vital information, help them successfully settle into life in the Clutha District, and foster a sense of belonging.
Strengthening the community and making friends
Gloria stresses that “through volunteering you’ll find that you’ve got more knowledge and skills than you ever thought you had.” She says giving back to the community is a fantastic way to make meaningful connections with people, too.
She’s part of a group that provides “Welcome Boxes” to around 40 newcomers each year. Each box has groceries, home baking from Gloria’s kitchen, and a list of local clubs. Gloria knows firsthand that moving to a new area can be isolating, the best way to make friends is to get involved.
If you’re wondering why you should volunteer, Gloria’s advice is “Because how else is something going to happen in the community? Your input is valuable.”
“You don’t have to do everything, but if everybody just did one thing it would make the community so much better.”
June 15-21 is National Volunteer Week. A huge thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who help make the Clutha District a wonderful place to live. Generous people like you are at the heart of our communities.