Longtime volunteer Zelda Nortje has taken over the reins of Lovings Arms, which has supported thousands of parents and caregivers across the Waikato.
An example of one of the boxes given to families. Photo: Jesse Wood
Since 2014, the Te Awamutu-based charity helped more than 6000 babies and their families with clothing, bedding, nappies, toiletries and items such as cots, car seats and prams.
The organisation covers a circumference of an hour away from Te Awamutu but has also serviced other areas including Taumarunui when volunteers are passing through.
Loving Arms has provided close to $6 million worth of clothing and equipment.
Last year alone they helped 1437 families.
The Loving Arms donations room, at their Rickit Rd premises, prior to sorting. Photo: Jesse Wood
After 10 years at the helm, founder Sharni Budd stepped away last June due to health reasons.
“It actually started a few years earlier than 2014. It was just my wife saying, ‘I can help you’. There was a 17-year-old mum about to have a baby and had nothing,” co-founder and board member Jamie Budd said.
“Sharni put out her feelers on social media for some items and having a large family, we also provided some. More items kept arriving and then another mum popped up.
“There were quite a few families that we helped before Sharni birthed Loving Arms officially. Then we started capturing information as we became a charity.”
Zelda was by Sharni’s side for nearly seven years and was the right fit for the operations manager role.
Each box is tailor-made for an age and gender. Volunteers won’t know who or where the recipient is. Photo: Jesse Wood
“I met Sharni on the side of a soccer field in Te Awamutu. I saw one of the first newspaper articles,” Zelda said.
“I had a blanket to gift her. I always feel that I want to do whatever God puts in front of me. Loving Arms was run out of a container at Zion Church at that stage.
“I started with volunteering, some washing at home and sorting clothing. It progressed and we became good friends.
“It was really nice seeing Sharni’s journey through it. All the decisions she made, all the new things that have come along. She’s taken one thing after the other in her stride. I’ve been there for the journey but not necessarily carrying the load.”
Zelda said it’s heartbreaking because there’s so much need in the community, but it’s amazing they’re able to help.
“There has been a lot of work from all the volunteers, lots of behind-the-scenes prayer and plenty of support from the community.
“It means a lot that we get to do that.”
Jamie said it’s been huge to have Zelda step up with the same heart as Sharni.
Just one lot of donations that arrived while the reporter was on-site. Photo: Jesse Wood
“Loving Arms is Sharni’s baby. She birthed it, loved it, and put everything of herself into it. To know that Zelda has been here for eight years, and Sharni could step away and the heart of it can be carried on is tremendous,” he said.
“Having a community like that who picks up the ball and carries it is amazing. It’s not one person; it’s a community that are doing this together.”
There have been countless volunteers since the project started.
They enjoy the experience because it’s not a one size fits all, they are encouraged to use their strengths.
At present, there are about 26 volunteers involved including a delivery driver, sorters, washers, sewers and packers.
“You couldn’t do this without the community and our lovely volunteers. We feel like a family, everyone does as much as they can to help wherever it’s needed on that day,” Zelda said.
“I feel very support by our Loving Arms board members and the Budd family.”
Zelda said if families need help, ask for help and Loving Arms can help, they will.
“It’s the starfish story. For this family that we’re packing a box for now, that’s going to make a difference.
“It’d trying not to look at the ones that we might miss because we can’t get there fast enough.
“But for every family that gets something, every story we hear back and every box that goes out, it’s awesome to know they are being helped and there’s a bit of a burden taken off of them.”
Loving Arms operations manager Zelda Nortje (left) with team manager Jackie Wilkins. Photo: Jesse Wood
