Air force members help tidy up Camellia House in Palmerston North

Air force members Jasmine Burr (left) and Kayla Holley clean up the backyard of Camellia House. Photo / Judith Lacy

Just as camellia bushes need a tidy up from time to time, so does Camellia House in Palmerston North.

Jetting in last week to help were eight Royal New Zealand Air Force members from the air movements team.

The volunteering was the idea of Leading Aircraftman Keller McManamon. He enjoys volunteering and wanted to introduce his team to it so approached Volunteer Central.

McManamon said the afternoon at Camellia House had been "really cool".

"It's always gratifying to be able to get in behind a good cause."

He has been a Red Cross refugee support volunteer.

"I like seeing people enjoy life more and if I can help be a part of that that's a really awesome way to spend my time."

The volunteers took all the donated items out of a garage and two sheds, cleaned the spaces, sorted the goods and put them back in categories. It is now easier for when women move to permanent accommodation to find the furniture, clothes, toys and kitchen items they need.

The team also weeded and tidied the gardens.

Volunteer Central event manager Juliana Chang says pairing the air force and Camellia House "was a match made in heaven".

Camellia House is a safe haven for women, transgender people and their children, offering temporary accommodation and support services to enable them into independence. It has nine bedrooms of various sizes.

"It seems simple but it made all the difference for Camellia House, which now has more space to receive donations and has an updated inventory," Chang says.

• Camellia House need donations of cleaning products, towels, and blankets for single beds. Phone 357 7056.