IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion, and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities, supporting them to live satisfying lives in the community.
They have 320 volunteers across New Zealand, including 28 in Dunedin.
IHC volunteers are matched one-on-one with adults with an intellectual disability to develop a friendship while supporting them in community activities.
The volunteer and their friend choose activities they both enjoy, such as going to the movies, the library, a museum, exercising or learning a new skill.
Adults with an intellectual disability often say most people in their lives are paid to be there or are family members.
This year, IHC volunteers have taken their friends to support the Highlanders, visited museums, theatres, libraries and cinemas, participated in mini golf and collected shells for art.
Dunedin IHC volunteer co-ordinator Gill Marshall said friendship was not "one big thing, it is a million little things that our volunteers do to make their friends smile".
Volunteer South wishes to send a huge thank you to IHC volunteers who help break down stereotypes and barriers around intellectual disability.
They advocate for their friends and, by their very presence, make the Dunedin community more inclusive and welcoming, truly weaving people together.
