Imagine working for your favourite charity for a year – and being paid for it!

This dream could come true, thanks to the Vodafone Foundation’s World of Difference Programme.

Every year the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation recruits nice people for the World of Difference programme. Developed in 2002, the programme pays the salary and expenses of up to six nice people a year, so that they have the freedom to give up their day jobs and work full time for their favourite cause.

This year, Vodafone is focusing on charities that benefit children and young people. So whether it’s disadvantaged teenagers, cot death research, or childhood obesity, or any other youth charity you feel passionately connected with, you may be able to make a world of difference to your cause through the World of Difference programme.

Vodafone Foundation Coordinator Juliette House says the World of Difference programme gives people the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people.

“Winners of the World of Difference programme also value the lasting bond they create with the charity they are working for, as well as the new skills they learn during their time with the organisation,” says Juliette House.

The charities also receive tremendous benefit from the World of Difference programme.

“Having a highly-motivated extra staff member on their side full-time gives each charity the extra capacity to make huge progress in areas like special events, awareness, projects, fundraising, and so much more.  Often, this is just the beginning of a lasting working relationship between that individual and the charity involved.”

The winners of the 2005 World of Difference programme are already making a difference to their chosen charities.  Vicki Culling is working in Wellington as national coordinator for Stillbirth and Newborn Death Support (SANDS), a small, voluntary group that supports newly bereaved parents who have lost a baby through, at, or soon after birth.  As a parent personally affected by the tragic loss of her daughter, she knows from first hand experience the difference SANDS can make to someone's life.

"The possibility of someone working full-time for SANDS to do all the things we have only dreamt about is a real luxury. The year ahead is going to be busy and challenging, but ultimately it will make a difference to those families who will be faced with one of life's hardest encounters, the death of a much wanted and much loved baby," says Ms Culling.

Invercargill's Susan van Schreven was another winner of the 2005 World of Difference programme.  She established Orphans Aid International, a New Zealand charity aimed at helping Romanian orphans.  She mortgaged her home to pay for the expenses and running costs of establishing a home in Romania that currently has nine abandoned orphans and many more waiting for homes.

Mrs. van Schreven, who has been involved in voluntary work for almost ten years, says it is amazing that Orphans Aid will be lifted to the next level and that they can now concentrate on increasing the number of children that they can find mums and dads for.  As well as running an orphanage in Romania, Orphans Aid International is now working to establish a refuge for street kids in Kostroma, Russia.

Other 2005 winners include Diane Sharp, a registered occupational therapist who is implementing recognised process of care and rehabilitation for the New Zealand Riding for the Disabled’s many voluntary groups.  The final winner is Kylie Bentham, a registered nurse who is currently working as a Theatre Manager for the next 2 years (one year funded by the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation) aboard Mercy Ships newest hospital ship, MS Africa. Mercy Ships are a global charity bringing world-class medical assistance and long-term sustainable development to some of the poorest countries in the world.

Juliette House says the 2005 winners are already making a huge difference to their chosen charities.

“These are not just nice people – they are inspirational people!  We know there are many more inspirational people out there who also want to make a world of difference to a charity they are passionate about, and we encourage them to apply for the 2006 World of Difference programme,” says Juliette.

Application Guidelines for the World of Difference programme are as follows:

To find out more about the Vodafone World of Difference programme visit www.nicepeople.co.nz to find out how you can apply to make a difference. Applications close on 18th August 2006. 

Please tell/pass on to any other ‘nice’ people you know who would be interested too!