My first association with Arthritis New Zealand was when I was living in Westport. After being diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis in the 1970's, I wanted to join the national organistion, but voluntary work on the Coast was a once-a-year event: the National Appeal. When we moved to North Westland, I co-ordinated the Appeal there for three years, and moved to Nelson in 1985.

I rejoined the organisation and served on the Nelson Division Committee as a member, then as Secretary and then Chairperson. Learning a lot through the voluntary sector took us into the next phase - that of the national restructuring. I was the Nelson representative on the Restructuring Committee and after many trips and meetings and a lot of time committment, we became Arthritis New Zealand. I then became the Nelson representative on the Regional Advisory Group (now known as the Regional Liaison Group).

Due to family and personal circumstances, I resigned in 2009 and am now still involved as a Pool Supervisor and Service Centre fill-in, and will continue to give my support to this very worthwhile organisation. I am honoured to have been part of the discussions and objectives, which have resulted in the great caring organisation that Arthritis New Zealand is today.

Thanks,

Thelma

Thelma's volunteer roles have included assisting in the office, instigating and coordinating fundraising activities, acting as treasurer of the Nelson Support Group, which ran the social meetings, area leader for the Appeal, seminar assistant and caterer (often supplying her own home baking for functions and staff). In addition, she chairs the Ngawhatu Pool Users Committee and has worked tirelessly to help keep the pool operational. For many years she has also been the volunteer supervisor for one or two pool sessions a week.

She gives her full support to all our activities, wherever she can, in spite of the challenges her own arthritis creates. She is always pleasant, caring and compassionate, and absolutely gives 100% to everything she undertakes.

From Jan Harrison - Southern Regional Manager