On Being a Guardian Angel for Timebank Taranaki

I have been acting as a guardian angel for Shirley Smith, a resident at Jean Sandel Retirement Home here in New Plymouth since the beginning of the year. When I took this on I had recently had a major change in my own life and subsequently removed my offers to give myself time to adjust to this change. However, as I feel that the philosophy of time bank is so fantastic I wanted to continue my participation in some form. 
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Initially I thought it would be simply managing the ‘computer’ aspects, such as reading the emails, setting up the connections regarding Shirley’s offers and requests. It has become so much more than that. Shirley and I have forged a great friendship, and I visit with her on a regular basis. Being a Guardian Angel has turned out to be very satisfying on a personal level. So, if you are considering becoming a Guardian Angel, I say go for it! 
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Regardless of how Angelic you think you are or are not 😉

Shirley had a request for assistance in putting her memoirs of when she lived up the Mokau River together on Timebank. This sounded very interesting so I have been working with Shirley on these. During this time, we had a lovely day visiting the Mokau Museum with another time banker. Along with enjoying the museum itself, we came away with a few more photos to include in the memoirs. The staff at the museum were genuinely interested and very helpful. We have utilised other timebanker’s talents in putting the memoirs together, such has digitising Shirley’s photos and proofing the memoirs, I have a response to assistance to research and apply for funding, as we have nearly completed the memoirs this is the next step, securing funding to have the memoirs published.

We have had people take up requests to drive Shirley to Drs appointments which has worked well.  What we would like would be for others to take up Shirley’s offers. Shirley is a talented artist and musician. She has offered to teach shell work, painting and the piano. If you are at all interested please go onto Timebank and take a look at what Shirley offers.

Once again, if becoming a Guardian Angel is something you have contemplated don’t hesitate as I believe you will find it as satisfying as I have.

Sandra 😊