Meet Our Volunteers #6: Mica

There are so many wonderful people who donate their time and energy to keep Kaibosh running, and we’d like to introduce you to some of them.

Sixth in the series is food sorting volunteer Mica! Thanks to Sophie (also a volunteer) for putting this excellent profile together.

How long have you been volunteering with Kaibosh? What is your volunteer role?

Almost two years. I started out in the van doing pick-ups on a Friday afternoon, then when I finished uni and started full-time work I switched to food sorting on Sunday evenings. It’s a nice way to wind down from the weekend – we chat away and guess at the delicious mystery herbs donated from Harbourside Market.

Why did you want to volunteer at Kaibosh?

I wanted to volunteer for a local charity, and when my flatmate told me she couldn’t volunteer at Kaibosh anymore I started in her place, it worked out well! There are a few reasons I guess, the main one being that reducing both food waste and food poverty just makes so much sense. I also think it’s important to recognise how lucky most of us are with the amount of food available to us, and that what we demand (and waste) does have an effect on the food on supermarket shelves. I like supporting Kaibosh because it gets people thinking about these types of issues.

What keeps you busy outside of Kaibosh?

I work at the Tertiary Education Commission, which I really enjoy and keeps me busy! Tertiary education in its various forms can be a total game changer in people’s lives, so it’s cool to be working to improve our tertiary education system. I’m also getting ready to eat my way through a wee holiday in Melbourne at the end of June.

Where could we find you on the weekend?

Hanging out in Newtown, the best suburb in the city! Catch ups in cafés and bike rides with my flatmates feature often.

What is your favourite Wellington café / restaurant?

How to choose!!! I love Mixed Business on the Terrace, it’s small, bright and simple. It’s also right opposite where I work which is proving dangerous. They have a super tasty selection of things for lunch, the fish pie is a winner.

What is an insider tip you would give to a new Wellingtonian?

If you can, buy a bike – I discovered so much more of the city after getting mine. Once you get used to biking round Wellington it’s so quick and easy to pop into town or explore the southern bays.

Thanks for your time and the recommendations Mica!

If you’re interested in volunteering with Kaibosh, find out more here and drop us a line.