Editorial: Hats off to those who volunteer

With a polar blast forecast this week and snow predicted in some areas, the thought of being homeless does not bear thinking about.

We sometimes take our warm home and comfortable beds for granted, but there are some in our community who have it tough.

That is why one has to take one's hat off to people like Kiri and Kevin Swannell and their children, who have started a mobile soup kitchen in Napier.

They started their Hopes Unlimited project recently and by all reports they are doing a good job in giving the homeless and hungry something to eat on these cold, winter nights. Even better news is that they plan to expand it to Hastings and Flaxmere on some nights as well.

Very often we get wrapped up in our own lives and problems, so it is refreshing to hear of a family who have decided to do something for others.

It is quite good timing to mention this during National Volunteer Week, because it does remind us that there are an army of people across all walks of life who selflessly give up their time and energy to do things for the community and for those less fortunate than themselves.

Where would we be without them. If that volunteering involves helping people in need, then even better still. The cynical among us may question how people become homeless in a country that has safety nets for the poor and destitute, but that is not really the point.

The point is compassion - the Swannells saw people in need and had the compassion to do something about it.

They are an example to us all. They may not be able to do much because of time and money constraints, but every bit counts.

Food for thought indeed.