How can CWL make their lives easier? Raising money for women’s refuges, knitting warm clothing for babies and children, collecting blankets for rough sleepers, sponsoring school fees, donating food to food banks, cooking free lunches, volunteer teacher aides, the range of activities is wide and varied.
Where we see a need we do what we can to meet it.
Countering loneliness and isolation and building community
Loneliness and isolation are unfortunately not new phenomena in New Zealand communities. Forty years ago, the New Plymouth CWL branch saw the need and decided to do something about it, the First Friday Lunches were born. The lunch is held after the midday First Friday Mass. It started out small but now the room is buzzing.
“At the conclusion of Mass, a CWL member speaks for a couple of minutes about recent and upcoming projects. Those attending Mass are then invited to join us for lunch. We put out a pavement sign and community members are invited to come and join us.”
There is a small fee for a plate of homemade food and a raffle ticket. The ladies make the room look special and welcoming. Tables are set with embroidered cloths and a vase of fresh flowers.
The supper-room is filled with chat and laughter as people spend time together, catching up, maintaining, building friendships and providing CWL with funds for their projects.
Add your support to helping New Zealanders’ in need.