Our People: Lorraine
Every week, retired PMP Print receptionist Lorraine Galvan, heads down to Dominion Road School, where she volunteers for Garden to Table.
It’s something she’s been doing for five years - ever since her daughter-in-law, Maria Wilson (who was Dominion Road’s Kitchen Specialist at the time), asked if she might like to be involved.
“I gladly took up the challenge, and now I don’t want to leave”, laughs Lorraine. “I love the children and being part of their future”.
When we rang Lorraine to chat about her experience volunteering for Garden to Table, she was getting ready to head out into her gardens at home.
“I grew up with gardens”, Lorraine explains. But, over recent generations, there’s been a missing link. “They disappeared. The only way we can change is to develop a new generation of gardeners”.
It’s being part of this change, and helping today’s tamariki to develop life skills now and for the future that means the most to Lorraine.
“I can be part of the learning of life skills. That’s what keeps me coming back, knowing I can make a difference”
When we asked Lorraine to name a highlight of her volunteering experience, she couldn’t - not because there weren’t any, but because “every day, something new is happening”.
“Being there and seeing it - children come in from different cultures, some can’t speak English, some are apprehensive, some don’t want to try food. Gradually, they grow into it, and you see their big smiles, as they sit at table, trying food, and suddenly, they’re engaged”, Lorraine gushes.
“All round, it’s the absolute delight on their faces. Seeing children thrive, that’s my highlight”
Celebrating the different cultures of the children in the programme has also been a stand-out.
“There are so many cultures at Dominion Road. We celebrate them - whether that’s Diwali or other occasions, everyone has the opportunity to learn how different food is cooked, presented, and eaten”.
Although Lorraine originally volunteered in the garden, she now helps in the kitchen - which means she’s seen all elements of the Garden to Table programme in action.
“The kids start with no idea how to identify vegetables or how to hold a knife. We take the time to talk to them, to talk about what they’re doing, what vegetables are, what you can add to them. Seeing them become confident and skilled in the garden and kitchen is a pleasure. They’ll grow up to be very capable in the world'“.
But, Lorraine knows there’s so much more to Garden to Table than what often meets the eye.
“Garden to Table has given children so much by creating this programme. It’s science, maths, respect of what a plant does, respect for food, kitchen skills, how we work as a team. That’s what the programme is - it’s all-round culture and philosophy”
As we finish the call, Lorraine quietly tells us “Garden to Table is the best thing that’s ever happened, to be honest”.
But really, none of it would be possible without the support of Lorraine, and other incredible volunteers around the country. Ngā mihi nui Lorraine - the tamariki are so lucky to have your kind guidance in the garden and kitchen, and we know your impact will be felt for years to come.