Good Neighbour

 Jan is a single mum who works hard to provide her family the very best.  She works two jobs just to make ends meet and each night when she finally hops into bed, she is exhausted from her long day. Without little support from friends or family she finds it difficult to tackle the gardens and for months they have fallen behind. The lawns are well overgrown and the gardens resemble that of a jungle.

Kerri and Rick are excited because they finally were able to find a house rental after months of filling in rental applications. Unfortunately their bond was so high for the rental, they are unable to afford any groceries for the next week.  The house they found is an old drafty house but they were relieved to know that they would have a warm fireplace to help take the chill off. After some investigating they realise they have left firewood too late and cannot afford to buy wood. Winter is fast approaching and their youngest son has asthma - not having a warm house could seriously impact his health. 

Kylie and John, after years of hard work have finally been able to retire!  Unfortunately due to the increase in the housing market and their low paying pension, they were only able to afford a small house with virtually no yard.  Kylie is so disappointed because she loves gardening and had counted on a veggie garden to help keep down the grocery expenses each week. 

Each day across New Zealand there are people like Jan, Kerri and Rick and Kylie and John.  Many people have struggles that we take for granted or don't even think about.  In 2011 a few mates went to Fiji and were inspired to see how the power of community could cause change in such a limited time. Realising the power of this community, they sought to bring this vision back to New Zealand and from this Good Neighbour was formed.  The goal was to make positive change in the Neighbourhoods in New Zealand.  Every day, Good Neighbour is helping people like the stories mentioned above and is making a positive, growing influence in our communities.  

From the time that Good Neighbour has started, I have been blown away at the response I have seen by people all over, wanting to make a difference in their communities and help out a neighbour in need.  I think deep down, people want to help those who are struggling but really don't know how or where to start. Good Neighbour provides just that avenue.  

Good Neighbour have 3 main focuses: Neighbourhood Projects, Food Rescue and Community Gardens. This past weekend, Welcome Bay opened its first Community Garden to the public and I had the honour of making a cake for this event.  

To learn more about what they do and how you can help, you can go to their website: http://www.goodneighbour.co.nz/